HIRSCHHORN KIDS: “WE SPEAK”

Art is a tool for inclusion — but only when young people see themselves in the story. This project brought modern art to life for public school students in Washington, D.C., using visual storytelling to connect personal identity, cultural heritage, and creative potential. For StrongHaus, it’s a powerful example of how thoughtful design can make institutions more accessible, relatable, and human.

Most youth programs don’t think about compliance until it’s too late. StrongHaus stepped in to design systems that made equity, safety, and clarity part of the operating model — not an afterthought.

ENGAGE YOUNG AUDIENCES THROUGH ACCESSIBLE ART STORYTELLING

• Introduce children to modern and contemporary artists in a way they could relate to

• Design a visual system that felt both educational and joyful

• Support classroom learning and in-person museum visits with memorable materials

• Use art to encourage identity exploration and self-expression

CREATE A VISUAL EXPERIENCE THAT CONNECTS STORY, PLACE, AND PURPOSE

• Developed a print and digital curriculum aligned with D.C. Public Schools

• Crafted custom illustrations, icons, and typography to make the content fun and friendly

• Applied StrongHaus principles of cultural fluency, accessibility, and design equity

• Built clear visual frameworks to help students identify with the artists’ life stories

BRIDGE BETWEEN MODERN ART AND A NEW GENERATION

• Delivered a full educational toolkit used in schools across D.C.

• Reinforced Hirshhorn’s mission as an accessible, youth-friendly institution

• Provided teachers with engaging materials that supported arts integration

• Demonstrated StrongHaus's ability to translate mission into message — even for the youngest audiences