Dig.ni.fy Summer 2023

Welcome to the Summer 2023 issue of dig.ni.fy

magazine.

In this issue, we explore whether craft and art

can reveal insights into the difference between

– and the dignity associated with – work and/or

labor. This subject has come to the fore since

the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, as

people searched for meaning in their lives. With

capitalism coming under increased scrutiny because of its oftentimes inability to deal with crises (documented in the first article of the magazine), the fact that many people are hesitant – if not reticent – to return to work should be of concern both to corporate executives and to policymakers.

Fundamental shifts are occurring in the global marketplace, shifts that are expected to be accelerated with the advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. Better understanding what philosophers and economists have had to say about work and labor might not only reveal tensions within our existing economic and political relations, but provide insight into what makers and artists have to say about how to embue objects with meaning so we might live a more dignified existence.. Thus, we attempt in this issue to address both matters.

We start by examining the philosophical foundations and criticism of capitalism and capitalist economies, focusing specifically on the difference between work and labor. We profile the artists Kate Malone and Kate Daudy, both of whom have thought a lot about their craft and/or art, in hopes of better understanding what they have to say about how their work creates meaning and promotes dignity. We profile and examine organizations – like the United Kingdom Crafts Council, the Loewe Foundation, and FiredUp4 – which provide education and support to makers. And we profile companies like Cooperativa La Liberazione that has worked to provide better support of community members and Cu Fibra that has engaged what is considered an abundance of particular natural resources (such as copper and cellulose) to produce a new copper-infused paper product proven to have antibacterial, antifungal, and even antiviral properties that could combat SARS-CoV2.

Once again placing theory against practice, we hope to provide insight into how we might improve our world. Enjoy!

William

In this Issue ...

dig.ni.fy

William Paul Wanker

Founder

dig.ni.fy magazine

is produced in partnership with Dignity Projects.

London, England

Dig.ni.fy Summer 2023 | Page 3