Dalton—Mohawk Group’s award-winning Social Canvas modular carpet collection is now available for specification. According to the company, the collection speaks to the triumph of the human spirit and the importance of inclusion in design. Using the work of artist Charlie French as a point of departure, this soft surface line is the result of a collaboration with ArtLifting. The non-profit organization champions artists who are impacted by disabilities and/or housing insecurity, providing a platform and creating opportunities for underrepresented artists to amplify their voices and participate in the contemporary art market.
“My goal is to make their invisible talents visible and by doing so, change stereotypes,” said Liz Powers, co-founder and CEO, ArtLifting. “Instead of defining people by their circumstance, we should define them by their talent.”
Together with ArtLifting, Mohawk Group is empowering a total of six artists through a multi-product collaboration to create carpet and flooring collections. Each artist is valued to participate, respected for their diversity and compensated for the use of their work, as well as support of the organization’s mission.
Social Canvas conveys the expression and poignancy of Charlie French’s abstract painterly style, depicted in six 12 x 36 carpet planks each viewed as a different canvas. The soft flooring system spans chunky and smooth textures, with colorful brushwork and a refined palette. The collection serves as a focal point—or artistic accent to bring the warmth of the human spirit into commercial interiors for all to feel welcome and supported.
“Visibility is a key component of designing for equity, diversity and social impact,” said Mark Page, vice president of design at Mohawk Group. “All people want to be seen, heard, respected and valued. Through our partnership with ArtLifting, we hope to provide deeper purpose of design by way of art, emotional connection and action, sharing the work of these artists in the broader context of the built environment.”
As the latest addition to Mohawk Group’s modular carpet platform, Social Canvas helps put into focus the manufacturer’s commitment to building and serving community through human-centered design, equity and social enterprise. “Design can raise awareness and provide social agency to marginalized people, who are often left out of the process,” Page said. “We feel very strongly that we all have the opportunity to thrive when society is truly equitable and inclusive.”
As Mohawk Group said it is committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040, Social Canvas has been designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability. Like all of Mohawk Group’s nylon carpet tile styles, it provides a net-positive impact in both carbon and water and ensures responsible manufacturing processes through its Living Product Challenge petal certification.