Preserving Design Legacy: Announcing the Launch of DaCMA

Hey Friends! Joseph Haecker here.

I am thrilled to announce the launch of a project that has been close to my heart for years - the Design and Cultural Museum of Artifacts (DaCMA). As a high-end custom lighting designer, tech founder, and design enthusiast, I have spent decades delving into the intricacies of creativity, innovation, and the stories that shape our world. Now, I am embarking on a new journey, one that seeks to illuminate the often-overlooked narratives behind the products we engage with every day.

Have you ever wondered about the hands that crafted your favorite chair, the mind that conceived your cherished painting, or the heart that poured life into a remarkable sculpture? These are the stories that tend to fade into obscurity as time marches forward. A striking 90% of the world's art and design history remains untold, forever lost to the annals of time, as per the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report. This staggering reality highlights a need, an obligation even, to capture and immortalize the profound influence of the makers, thinkers, and creators that have woven the fabric of design history.

Imagine a world where the stories of those who crafted our surroundings are not lost, but celebrated and immortalized. Just as Anthony Bourdain captivated us with the stories behind diverse cuisines, or Mike Rowe delved into the often-unseen worlds of labor, DaCMA aims to be a beacon of storytelling, unraveling the intricate tales that shape the design universe.

Why DaCMA?

The seeds of DaCMA were sown in my relentless quest to unearth the forgotten narratives, to shine a light on the artisans and visionaries who shaped the evolution of design and innovation. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the industry, including renowned AD100 designers, who often echo the sentiment that lies at the core of DaCMA -

"Design is not just about aesthetics; it's a reflection of the time, a manifestation of ideas and emotions."

The design industry, much like a tapestry, is woven from countless threads of creativity and dedication. It's a collective story that deserves to be documented, celebrated, and passed down to future generations. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and DaCMA is a tribute to these giants - the unsung heroes who have shaped the visual narrative of our lives.

DaCMA is my attempt to create a repository where every creation comes to life through the narratives of its makers. Just as Wikipedia is a testament to humanity's collective knowledge, DaCMA is poised to be the Wikipedia of the design world, a reservoir of wisdom where the journey from idea to artifact is meticulously documented and celebrated.

How Can You Get Involved?

As we embark on this exhilarating endeavor, I invite you to join us in our mission to capture and share these stories. Your support, whether through personal anecdotes, contributions, or spreading the word, is invaluable. DaCMA is not just a museum; it's a vibrant community where enthusiasts, designers, historians, and innovators come together to enrich our understanding of design history. Our collective efforts will lay the foundation for the next generation of fabricators, craftsmen, and visionaries, inspiring them to build upon the legacy we leave behind.

Ways to get involved and support DaCMA :

1. If you, or someone you know, has designed a product, tech or innovation...please share their story

Cost: FREE

Link: Post an Artifact Article

2. Please share why you support DaCMA by giving a testimonial

Cost: FREE

Link: Share a Testimonial

3. Become a member

Cost: Only $5 a month

Link: Learn More

4. Donate

Donation: $5 or more (See tiers for larger donations)

Link: Donate

And, last...

Share this with manufacturers that you know. Give them the opportunity to share the stories of their employees.

Cost: FREE

Together, we can amplify the stories that deserve to be heard and ensure that the legacy of design lives on for generations to come.

Visit our website to explore the ways you can contribute and be a part of this exciting journey. Let's breathe life into the stories that have shaped our world, one artifact, one memory, and one innovation at a time.

As we launch DaCMA, I am reminded of the words of Maya Angelou:

"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."

Let's embark on this exciting journey of creativity, exploration, and celebration together. Visit our website to discover how you can make a difference and be a part of preserving the rich heritage of design and innovation.

With unwavering excitement and gratitude, cheers!

Joseph Haecker

ABOUT DaCMA

At DaCMA, we believe that preserving the history of design is of utmost importance in cultivating the next generation of fabricators, craftsmen, and innovators. By showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of the past, we inspire the creators of the future to embrace the value of heritage, quality, and originality.

Through our carefully curated exhibits and digital archives, we aim to reignite the sense of pride in craftsmanship that once adorned every antique. We celebrate the human touch, the dedication to detail, and the artistry that brings life to design. By connecting the past with the present, we bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, encouraging a seamless blend of time-honored techniques and modern technologies...READ MORE