Paula Scher Designs Logo for Women+ on the Edge of Democracy Theatrical Initiative
Paula Scher, a partner at Pentagram, has developed a visual identity for the theatrical initiative Women+ on the Edge of Democracy, which explores American democracy and civic engagement. The logo creatively reinterprets the shape of the contiguous United States, featuring hand-drawn, colored-pencil text that appears intentionally cramped, symbolizing the marginalization of women in democratic processes. Supported by the Flynn and the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, this project has enlisted 36 women+ and female-identifying playwrights to craft short plays and monologues addressing democracy's current state. These pieces are intended for performance in various community venues, encouraging dialogue about civic life. Scher's design embraces a raw, unrefined aesthetic, using the map to highlight issues of exclusion and advocate for representation, equality, and empowerment.
Key facts
- Paula Scher, a partner at Pentagram, designed the logo for Women+ on the Edge of Democracy.
- The initiative commissions 36 women+ and female-identifying playwrights to create short plays and monologues on democracy.
- The project is presented by the Flynn and the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.
- Scher's visual identity uses hand-drawn, coloured-pencil lettering squeezed into the shape of the contiguous United States.
- The design intentionally suggests that women are being squeezed out of democracy.
- The plays are intended to be performed in theatres, libraries, schools, and public spaces.
- The initiative aims to open conversations about the future of civic life.
- The logo rejects polished branding in favor of an immediate, imperfect aesthetic.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Pentagram
- Women+ on the Edge of Democracy
- Flynn
- Susan Smith Blackburn Prize
- Design Indaba
Locations
- United States