Design World Focuses on Global Issues: Sharjah's New Design Hub and Eyebeam's Controversy

The design world increasingly addresses global issues, as seen in two recent developments: Sharjah's expansion into a global design center and controversy surrounding artistic expression at Eyebeam in Brooklyn. * **Sharjah's Design Expansion:** The emirate is transforming into a hub for photographic, cinematic, and innovative design, offering a platform for both emerging and established artists to explore diverse perspectives. The "No Image Greater Than Reality" initiative, spanning 49,000 square meters, will feature workshops, collaborative spaces, exhibitions, and film screenings, fostering a comprehensive environment for creative exploration. * **Eyebeam Controversy:** Ten artist fellows at Eyebeam, a Brooklyn-based art and technology non-profit, urged the organization to endorse the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (Pacbi). Two former employees believe they were terminated for supporting this call. The artists withdrew their projects from the fellowship showcase and displayed a video statement of dissent, citing a "culture of repression" and "silencing" related to Palestinian solidarity organizing. This incident highlights the challenges artists face when addressing sensitive political issues within institutional frameworks. These events showcase the evolving role of design and art in addressing global issues, from cultural exchange and creative exploration to freedom of expression and political activism.