Kam Heritage flower symbolKam Heritage Project

Recognition · 2013 & 2014

SEED Awards for Excellence in Public Interest Design

The Kam Heritage Project received two honorable mentions for its community-based design work in Dimen, China. The recognitions reflect an approach to design that connects cultural preservation, education, participation, and economic opportunity.

A hands-on heritage and design workshop at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
A hands-on heritage and design workshop at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

The awards

What are the SEED Awards?

The SEED Awards recognize excellence in public interest design. Their framework asks designers and communities to consider social, economic, and environmental impact—together with participation, local knowledge, and measurable outcomes.

For the Kam Heritage Project, that approach informed documentation of traditional crafts, educational workshops, and design collaborations with artisans and students.

SEED Awards archive ↗
Craft documentation and participation were central to the project.
Craft documentation and participation were central to the project.

Recognition in 2013 and 2014

Two honorable mentions

2013 · Honorable Mention

Cultural Preservation of Kam Minority Heritage in Dimen Village, China through Design

Recognized as part of the SEED Awards program for community-based cultural preservation through design.

Official 2013 results ↗

2014 · Honorable Mention

Re: Dimen Kam Minority Cultural Heritage in China

The published award record credits Marie Lee, student collaborators, the Dimen Dong Cultural Eco Museum, community participants, five elderly artisans, and additional collaborators.

Official 2014 results ↗

Explore the work

Community knowledge at the center