Penumbra Center for Racial Healing
Design
Art Direction
/ 2023
Brand Identity Redesign
Founded in 1976 by award winning director Lou Bellamy, Penumbra is a nationally recognized organization housing Minnesota’s only Black professional theatre company. Penumbra has earned tremendous accolades, producing nearly 200 plays, over 30 premieres, and has cultivated generations of artists of color. Through their powerful art, they open hearts, rehearse strategies for change, and dispel dehumanizing narratives of people of color.
Today, under the leadership of Sarah Bellamy, Penumbra is evolving into its next life cycle: a performing arts campus and center for racial healing that nurtures Black artists, advances equity, and facilitates wellness for individuals and community. As such, it has taken on a new name: Penumbra Center for Racial Healing.
The Penumbra brand identity reimagining began with the necessary understanding of two large truths: One, the impressive history of Penumbra and its contributions to both the local Rondo community that it resides in, as well as its national contributions to the larger arts community. Secondly, that the step toward becoming Penumbra Center for Racial Healing required us to listen, empathize, and honor the complexities of the Black identity in the United States. Listening, learning, and working with the wonderful people at Penumbra allowed for the identity to imbue a spirit of care, love, and progression.
This spirit is shown through the logo design itself- strong geometric shapes intermingle with organic, soft shapes. Patterns inspired by traditional African textiles are paired with both bold and soft colors. Altogether these elements create a living, breathing system that speaks to Penumbra’s mission to wield the emotional, physical, and spiritual power of Black cultural expression to advance racial healing.
Creative Director: Milton Un Additional Design and Creative Support: Artur Un (Art Direction), Cat Young (Writer), Justin Valdez (Design & Animation Support)
Brand Identity Redesign
Founded in 1976 by award winning director Lou Bellamy, Penumbra is a nationally recognized organization housing Minnesota’s only Black professional theatre company. Penumbra has earned tremendous accolades, producing nearly 200 plays, over 30 premieres, and has cultivated generations of artists of color. Through their powerful art, they open hearts, rehearse strategies for change, and dispel dehumanizing narratives of people of color.
Today, under the leadership of Sarah Bellamy, Penumbra is evolving into its next life cycle: a performing arts campus and center for racial healing that nurtures Black artists, advances equity, and facilitates wellness for individuals and community. As such, it has taken on a new name: Penumbra Center for Racial Healing.
The Penumbra brand identity reimagining began with the necessary understanding of two large truths: One, the impressive history of Penumbra and its contributions to both the local Rondo community that it resides in, as well as its national contributions to the larger arts community. Secondly, that the step toward becoming Penumbra Center for Racial Healing required us to listen, empathize, and honor the complexities of the Black identity in the United States. Listening, learning, and working with the wonderful people at Penumbra allowed for the identity to imbue a spirit of care, love, and progression.
This spirit is shown through the logo design itself- strong geometric shapes intermingle with organic, soft shapes. Patterns inspired by traditional African textiles are paired with both bold and soft colors. Altogether these elements create a living, breathing system that speaks to Penumbra’s mission to wield the emotional, physical, and spiritual power of Black cultural expression to advance racial healing.
Creative Director: Milton Un Additional Design and Creative Support: Artur Un (Art Direction), Cat Young (Writer), Justin Valdez (Design & Animation Support)
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