Better Together: Collaboration Opportunities For decades, MCAD has supported business, government, and nonprofit sectors—locally, nationally, and internationally—through unique partnerships. From some of the biggest brands like Target, 3M, and Best Buy to small community organizations, MCAD students and faculty have delivered creative solutions to a variety of challenges. MCAD partners benefit from an interdisciplinary and cooperative approach while supporting the next generation of the creative workforce. In fact, many partners become regular collaborators with the MCAD community. Benefit to Clients Work collaboratively with a dedicated group of students towards the needs of the client. Access the breadth and depth of creative talent to develop innovative ideas and solutions. Work directly with a target demographic to test out ideas and the feasibility and utility of new or reimagined products. Harness the creative spirit of MCAD as a forward-thinking partner. Build a network of professional talent for internships and future employment opportunities. Benefits to Students Engage in real-world professional experiences in the classroom. Develop professional portfolio work. Engage industry professionals for critique and feedback on their work. Create connections for future internships and employment opportunities. MCAD offers expertise in these areas: Animation Creative entrepreneurship Creative leadership Design justice Design thinking Graphic and web design Illustration Multimedia Product design Sustainable design Video Types of Partnerships and Collaborations MCAD has bespoke partnerships with businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations, helping find creative solutions to the challenges partners face. These partnerships have included: All Square Restaurant, Center for Earth Energy and Democracy, Danner Boots, Edelman/Talitha Kum, Epimonia, Foreverware, Hamilton Beach, Juanitas Jar, KFAI, Mercury Mosaics, Metro Blooms, Native Sun Solar Club, PAX Scientific, Red Wing Shoes, Renewing the Countryside, The Right Reach, LLC, Roho Collective, Sierra Leone Foundation for New Democracy, SlingGrip, Somos, Target, Velasquez Family Coffee, Weston Snowboards, Whittier Alliance, and Winsome Goods. Sponsored Studio Stand-alone class created to serve the client’s needs for an entire 15-week semester or a 15-week project embedded into an existing course. Creative disciplines might include: Design thinking Sustainable design Graphic and web design Creative leadership Design justice Illustration Animation Video Multimedia Target: MCAD students and faculty collaborated with Target to co-design an industry-leading inclusive concept that fulfills diverse customer needs in apparel and home categories. MCAD custom-designed a 15-week course to serve Target’s defined needs. Target leaders actively engaged with faculty and students to achieve defined goals. Client Studio 7-14-week project as part of an existing class. Creative disciplines might include: Design thinking Sustainable design Graphic and web design Creative leadership Design justice Illustration Animation Video Multimedia Metro Blooms: Metro Blooms, a nonprofit that promotes and celebrates gardening to beautify communities and protect the environment, was a client for MCAD students. The class project was embedded in Illustration and Copywriting courses and in support of a larger program led by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. Client Studio Sprint A 1-7-week project as part of an existing class. Creative disciplines might include: Design thinking Sustainable design Graphic and web design Creative leadership Design justice Illustration Animation Video Multimedia Red Wing Shoes: MCAD students established a strategy and recommendation for how Red Wing Heritage should activate and promote retail pop-up experiences that can be easily repeatable in many markets across the United States. For additional information or to discuss your project idea, please email Becky Bates at careers@mcad.edu, or get started by filling out the Collaboration Inquiry Form.