September 28, 2022 1:00 pm

Mohawk Group Launches Social Canvas with ArtLifting

Mohawk Group collaborates with marginalized artists to launch Social Canvas carpet collection

DALTON, Ga. September 28, 2022 — Now available for specification, Mohawk Group’s award-winning Social Canvas modular carpet 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, ArtLifting co-founder and CEO. “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. All people want to be seen, heard, respected and valued,” said Mark Page, vice president of design at Mohawk Group. “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.”

Human-centered design considers all humans, including those at the sidelines, to create a better world and enhance the quality of life for everyone. 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,” added Page. “We feel very strongly that we all have the opportunity to thrive when society is truly equitable and inclusive.” 

Social Canvas was previewed to the architecture and design community earlier this year at HD Expo; as well as NeoCon, where it was recognized as both a Gold award and Sustainability award winner in the flooring carpet: modular category of the Best of NeoCon competition. 

As Mohawk Group 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. The low embodied carbon platform combines Mohawk Group’s new state-of-the-art EcoFlex ONE cushioned carpet system with the advanced engineering of Duracolor Tricor fiber. The result is a modular carpet that leads the industry in durability, cleanability, performance and sustainability. In addition to sustaining a better ecological community, Social Canvas also provides a positive social impact through Mohawk Group’s Specify for a Cure program, wherein a portion of sales is donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

To explore the Social Canvas modular carpet collection and learn more about Mohawk Group’s collaboration with ArtLifting, visit www.MohawkGroup.com.

About Mohawk Group 

As the world’s leading producer and distributor of quality commercial flooring, Mohawk Group believes that better floor coverings emerge from betterdesign, innovation, and sustainability. Mohawk Group addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in contract interiors with a comprehensive carpet and hard surface portfolio of all types and price points. As the commercial division of Mohawk Industries, the company has a heritage of craftsmanship that spans more than 130 years. To learn more about our full line of flooring products, please visit MohawkGroup.com or call 1-800-554-6637.