MONTREAL—The International Council of Graphic Design Associations’ (Icograda) Australian president Russell Kennedy says he is disappointed in AIGA’s decision to leave the organization [“AIGA leaves ICOGRADA,” Feb. 16, 2010] but he also notes that Icograda remains committed to becoming an interdisciplinary organization, the main sticking point in AIGA’s departure.

AIGA, the professional association for design in the U.S., joined Icograda in 2005, the same year the International Design Alliance ratified its first strategic plan for multidisciplinary exchange and advocacy. (The IDA was created by founding partners Icograda and the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design in 2003. In 2008, the IDA welcomed the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers to the alliance as its third partner.)

Kennedy says that while Icograda is still committed to the IDA, it is looking at other avenues of becoming an interdisciplinary organization. “Icograda is now examining the impact of repositioning itself as a 'multidisciplinary' organization but at the same time remaining an active and committed member of the IDA,” he says. 

Kennedy stresses that it is important in today’s design climate that the organizations remained connected. “We believe that today it is more important than ever to speak with a clear, unified voice about design's value and would prefer AIGA to continue to advocate for change as a member of our international network,” he says. “We look forward to the AIGA rejoining Icograda in the future and will maintain an open dialogue going forward on items of common interest.”  

The only sticking point between AIGA and Icograda, Kennedy says, is the speed at which they are moving towards becoming interdisciplinary. “Our only difference at this point is the pace of change, which can take a while in an international setting, but we are getting close,” he says. “In the meantime, AIGA and Icograda will continue to cross-promote activities and events that offer designers professional development opportunities. For example, AIGA is promoting Design Currency: Icograda Design Week in Vancouver to its members and we look forward to the insights that Debbie Millman will share as one of our invited speakers.” Millman of Sterling Brands in New York is also the current president of the AIGA.

AIGA or any association should not be a part of a group that doesn’t reflect its vision but Icograda remains a valued connection for the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada, says GDC president Rod Roodenburg. Three members have served as presidents of Icograda: Walter Jungkind (1974 to 1977), Jorge Frascara (1985 to 1987) and Robert Peters (2001 to 2003); and two as executive board members: Albert Ng (1995 to 1997) and David Berman (2005 to 2007). 

“The GDC is one of the ten largest association members in Icograda and one of the oldest,” he says. “Being connected internationally is key to our economic sustainability as a country as well. Personally, I see our role in the GDC not just to support our own members but as a resource for all Canadians. Icograda gives us added value in this regard and some knowledge and leverage with national matters as well.”

Société des designers graphiques du Québec is also a member of Icograda. Design Edge Canada spoke with a member of its board of directors, Marc Serre, who said the SDGQ is reviewing recent events and will release a statement on its stance in the near future. Contact: Icograda.org, Gdc.net, Sdgq.ca

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