|
International Council of Graphic Design Associations
The International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda) is the world body for professional graphic design and visual communication. Founded in 1963, it is a voluntary assembly of associations concerned with graphic design, visual communication, design management, design promotion and design education. Icograda promotes graphic designers' vital role in society and commerce and unifies the voices of graphic designers and visual communicators worldwide. The vision, mission and core values of the council are collectively embodied in the communication statement of 'leading creatively' which is manifested through our members diverse activities to use design as a medium for progressive change.
Icograda's Purpose
Icograda is the world's non-governmental and non-political representative and advisory body for professional graphic design and visual communication. It serves the worldwide community of graphic designers by aiming to:
* Raise the standards of design, professional practice and ethics
* Raise the professional status of the graphic designer
* Further the appreciation of designers' professional achievements
* Extend design's contribution to understanding among people
* Promote the exchange of information, views and research
* Contribute to design education - theory, practice and conduct
* Coordinate matters of professional practice and conduct
* Establish international standards and procedures
* Hold congresses, conferences, seminars and symposia
* Publish and distribute information concerned with graphic design
Icograda Membership
Icograda is an association of independent Member associations, forming a global network. Icograda has 60 Full Members, 20 Associate Members, 11 Affiliate Members, 83 Education Members and hundreds of Friends of Icograda in 67 countries and regions worldwide, sharing common concerns, commitments and standards.
Membership Categories
Affiliate Member:
an international organisation concerned with professional practice in fields related to graphic design
Full Member:
a national professional design organisation with voting rights
Associate Member:
a promotional or technical organisation with voting rights
Education Member:
an institution engaged in design education, research or theory (visit www.education.icograda.net for details)
Friend of Icograda:
an institution or individual who wishes to contribute to Icograda either by donating money or time (visit www.friends.icograda.net for details)
Member Benefits
Member associations benefit from being connected with other associations and from being part of the worldwide community of graphic designers - through exchange of information, sharing of best professional practices, policy development re: international issues, and collaboration re: international advocacy. Individuals within Icograda's Member associations benefit from:
* Networking with design organisations and colleagues worldwide through special events, virtual discussion groups and a dedicated 'Members Only' information exchange on the Icograda website
* A free subscription to eNews, Icograda's weekly email newsletter
* Reduced fees for selected Icograda events and design publications
* International visibility by submitting work to the Galeria, Icograda's international online design gallery
The Role of the Graphic Designer
Graphic design is an intellectual, technical and creative activity concerned not simply with the production of images but with the analysis, organization and methods of presentation of visual solutions to communication problems. Information and communication are the basis of world-wide interdependent living, whether in trade, cultural or social spheres. The graphic designer's task is to provide the right answer to visual communication problems of every kind in every sector of society. Click here for some definitions of graphic design and visual communication.
Icograda's Core Values
Icograda is guided by core values which influence both individual and collective conduct. We strive for continual improvement, and we strive to have our actions reflect these values, demonstrate accountability, and be publicly defensible.
1. We conduct ourselves ethically and with integrity.
2. We show respect for others in our words and actions.
3. We act in the spirit of a global community and cooperation.
4. We respect the diversity of human beings, and their social, ethnic, and cultural differences.
5. We respect the natural environment.
International Affiliations
Icograda has consultative status with UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization); UNIDO (the United Nations Industrial Development Organization); and WIPO (the World Intellectual Property Organization). Icograda is a member of the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organizations (IFRRO) and is in liaison with technical committees of International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In 1999, Icograda was one of the founding members of Design for the World (DW), a non-profit multi-disciplinary organization formed to solve global social, humanitarian and habitat problems through design.
The International Design Alliance (IDA)
The International Design Alliance (IDA) is a new venture between founding partners Icograda and Icsid. The alliance was formalised after being approved by the partners' respective General Assemblies in September 2003. The alliance is based on the desire of both partners to "do together what we cannot do alone," concentrating on opportunities arising from multidisciplinary collaboration. Click here for more on the IDA.
Icograda Design Week
One of the most valuable activities of Icograda and its Member associations is the organization of congresses, meetings, and conferences to further international exchange of information. The Icograda Design Week is a multi-faceted and international series of events that addresses various needs within the visual communications sector in a specific country and region. The Icograda Design Week format is modular and can be tailored to meet specific goals and various audiences. An Icograda General Assembly is held biennially in conjunction with an Icograda Design Week. General Assemblies are attended by delegates from Icograda Member associations, who elect the Icograda Executive Board from nominees put forward by the Member associations. Included within the Icograda Design Week format are Icograda Regional Meetings: held throughout the world, providing a forum for exchange of views and the development of regional strategies and initiatives.
Communication
Icograda publishes In Situ, covering the events of Icograda Design Week. Icograda eNews is a weekly e-mail newsletter sent to thousands of subscribers worldwide. Icograda eduNews is a monthly e-mail newsletter specifically for Icograda's educational members. Icograda also issues News Releases to design publications and design media organizations around the globe.
Professional Practice Documents
Icograda develops and publishes professional practice documents such as the International Conditions of Contract and Engagement for Graphic Designers, Regulations and Guidelines for Organizing International Design Competitions & Award Schemes, and the Model Code of Professional Conduct for Designers. Icograda is committed to the sharing of information resources and to helping its Member associations exchange information and key documents with other Members and their respective constituents. The Members Only area of Icograda's website provides password access to valuable content and resources for individual Members of Icograda Member associations.
The Icograda Foundation
The Icograda Foundation was established in 1991 for the advancement of worldwide understanding and education through the effective use of graphic design. The Icograda Foundation is a company limited by guarantee in England, Registration No. 100388, and is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. It obtains funds from corporate sponsorships, individual donations, legacies, and various fundraising activities. For information about sponsorship and programs of the Icograda Foundation, contact: foundation@icograda.org.
Icograda Awards
The Icograda Excellence Award may be presented to an individual, a team, or an organization: in recognition of outstanding achievement in the practice, education or promotion of graphic design as a professional activity; in recognition of exceptional work; or in recognition of significant merit earned. For information regarding criteria, eligibility, and presentation of an Icograda Excellence Award, please contact the Icograda Secretariat. The Icograda President's Trophy was inaugurated in 1970. It is presented at the end of each two year term by the Icograda President, in honor of an outstanding contribution to the the work of Icograda. For a list of past recipients, click here.
Friends of Icograda
Friends of Icograda is a worldwide network of individuals and corporations who share a common interest in graphic design and visual communication. Friends support Icograda and desire to contribute to Icograda and its worldwide aims. Anyone who wishes to support Icograda and who agrees with Icograda's aims and values can become a Friend of Icograda on a contribution basis. For more information, visit the Friends website at www.friends.icograda.org
Icograda Secretariat
In 2005, Icograda's Secretariat was situated in Montréal, Canada. Icograda's Director, Brenda Sanderson, takes care of the day to day management of Icograda's affairs, coordinates Icograda's communications, and executes directives of the Board. For a brief biography of Brenda Sanderson, click here.
For more information, contact:
Icograda Secretariat
455 Saint Antoine Ouest, Suite SS 10
Montréal, Québec
Canada H2Z 1J1
T: +1 514 448 4949
F: +1 514 448 4948
E-mail: secretariat@icograda.org
www.icograda.org
|
