UCLA Extension is set to host on April 9 its inaugural RE:DESIGN // RE:IMAGINE summit, a one-day educational experience that will bring together designers, artists, students, educators and creative leaders to explore how arts and design education are evolving in response to emerging technologies, culturally responsive teaching and new creative economies. Acclaimed designer and bestselling author Kevin Bethune will serve as the keynote speaker.

“I feel incredibly honored to have received the invitation to speak at this summit – one that explores the potentially fluid intersections between creativity, education, innovation and making a difference,” Bethune said. “UCLA Extension and its community embody a bold spirit of lifelong learning that is necessary to meet our present moment and the dynamic needs of our future, where traditional models of education must be interrogated, questioned and reimagined.”

Bethune is known for authoring “Reimagining Design: Unlocking Strategic Innovation (Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life)” and speaking to audiences across the country about how his background in engineering, business and design over a 20-plus year career has positioned him to help brands discover meaningful innovations to enrich people’s lives. He will discuss his new book, “Nonlinear: Navigating Design with Curiosity and Conviction,” at the summit.

“I strongly believe we must prepare for a future that is diverse and multidisciplinary,” Bethune said. “The complexity of our times requires bringing all disciplines around the table to creatively problem-solve solutions that are dynamic and resonant against the needs of very different people. Thanks to digital and AI, the world is becoming increasingly hyperconnected and we'll be able to ‘see’ each other more vividly than ever before. Our educational models need to stay ahead of the curve. The arts will continue to help us speculate and to always question what makes us human – or even more humane – in a world navigating constant renewal from advanced technology.”

RE:DESIGN // RE:IMAGINE will focus on the topics of learning, technology, equity and futures. The agenda will include panels, think tank sessions and networking.

“Whether you teach, design, create or support learning ecosystems, this event offers practical insight, inspiration and meaningful connection,” said Kimberly Velazco, director of the Design Arts portfolio at UCLA Extension.

After coffee and networking to kick off the day, attendees will listen to Bethune, who is founder and chief creative officer of the firm dreams • design + life. Other highlights include:

  • Panel: AI and Emerging Technologies in Creative Learning.
  • Panel: Future-Forward: Teaching, Making and Leading Across Disciplines
  • Think Tank Session: Designing Learning Experiences: Tools, Prototypes and Inclusive Practice
  • Think Tank Session: Place, Identity and Community Engaged Creative Practice

“We want this to be the beginning of something big,” said Antwon Martin, director of the Education portfolio at UCLA Extension. “At UCLA Extension, we have experts in so many different corners of any topic, it just made sense that we bring together these two unique, but often overlapping, communities to look to the future and figure out how we move the arts and education forward together.”

RE:DESIGN // RE:IMAGINE will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at UCLA Downtown, which is located at 433 S. Spring St. For more information and to register visit the Event Homepage.