Jun

Smithsonian Annual Report wins “Best in Show” at 2022 PRINT Awards

The 2020 Smithsonian annual report beat out almost 1,000 entries for the prestigious design award.

Even in the midst of unprecedented chaos, design continues to go above and beyond. This became abundantly clear after fielding almost a thousand entries to select 60 winners for this year’s PRINT Awards. Our 2022 lineup presents designers from 45 countries around the world who provided high-quality work, both as hard-working individuals or with remarkably collaborative teams.

Several themes popped up repeatedly throughout the winning entries. Many searched for levity within the difficulties of 2020, while others celebrated the return of live events. Plenty of entries provided somber, thoughtful reflections on what was lost, or provided helpful strategies to their local communities. Some winners extended their hand through spreading awareness of harm reduction, or studying the effects of shifting economies or climates. Several entries paved the way for more diverse representation, and the desire for sexual liberation rang throughout a handful of categories. Expert designers backed up groundbreaking studies with gorgeous visuals, and created bold, colorful campaigns that tapped into trendy, maximalist sensibilities. While many motifs were consistent, each winning entry shines brightly on its own.

This year’s awards boasted an especially illustrious jury that included Sean Adams, Lyanne Dubon Aguilar, Marian Bantjes, Shazeeda Bhola, Santiago Carrasquilla, Alex Center, Maurice Cherry, Joey Cofone, Timothy Goodman, Jon Key, Wael Morcos, Aries Moross, Edel Rodriguez, Edwin Schlossberg, James Taylor, Tea Uglow, Chantel Valentene, James Victore, and Ping Zhu.

Best in Show
Smithsonian 2020 Annual Report

By: Polygraph, USA

Smithsonian-2020 Download

How do you tell the story of an institution of this scale through such a transformational year? How do you factor incredible reach, unwavering ambition, and generous spirit through all of the uncertainty of 2020? In this oversized annual report, we sought to create layered, poetic connections in the cross-pollination of research and exhibition, art and science, and the past and present, all while staying true to the realities of 2020. We wanted to create a piece that was energetic, hopeful, and engaging, while staying fundamentally true to the heartbeat of a tireless organization. The resulting book provides a bright, optimistic breath of fresh air in the face of an uncertain time.

This is an edited version of a post by Sarah Fonder originally published by PRINT magazine’s website.