The current board of ICOGRADA has now completed half of its two-year term of office. In this message we wish to report on activities since the General Assembly in Uruguay, give a preview of activities on the board agenda as we approach Sydney and, in particular, to permit member associations to respond by indicating their opinions and reactions. Icograda can only be effective if there is efficient two-way exchange of information and ideas between the board and the international community of professional graphic designers represented through member associations. Only in this way will the Council be able correctly fulfil its mission.

The board elected at the General Assembly in Uruguay has been operating on the basis of policies proposed by the previous board and approved by the General Assembly. In the presentation made in Uruguay, the following points were made:

> Icograda is at a cross-roads. The organisation has managed, to a great extent, to fulfil the aims expressed at the time of its establishment 35 years ago. However, there is a great need to re-examine the aims and role of Icograda in the face of global political and economic developments, the evolution of the visual design profession and rapid technological advances.

> During its first decades, Icograda primarily served a relatively small group of countries, the highly industrialised and wealthy countries of Western Europe, North America, Australia and Japan. As the professional status of graphic designers in these countries was successfully established, the role of national associations naturally began to change. As original goals were achieved, replacement targets were required - but not always apparent. Icograda, the sum of its member parts, in time reflected the situations of the national associations.

> Another important development has been the integration of the European Union, with the resulting restructuring of the regional economic environment. The changes have required all professionals to re-examine their practices and day-to-day activities. This has had a direct impact on the agenda and focus of the professional design associations.

> By the beginning of this decade, important global political and economic trends created a new environment. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the global acceptance of free-market economies, rapid development of emerging economies in the East and South, rapid development of technologies, communications and transportation and the creation of a truly global, integrated economy, numerous nascent professional graphic designer communities sprouted around the world. Attempting to establish themselves in difficult professional environments, these groups required the international assistance which Icograda provided its original members 35 years ago.

> It has become clear that Icograda has a new and important role to play, and that, with its international standing, connections and organs, is well positioned to provide support for a truly international professional community.

> It is important to note that in this new environment, Icograda is also better able to serve its long-standing members. The newly emerging economies represent the engine of future global economic development. As a channel of contact and exchange between designers in developed and developing economies, Icograda offers member associations the opportunity to learn about, and become involved with, tomorrow[pi]s design culture and economy.

> In order to serve these new needs, Icograda must change. The structure of the organisation must change to reflect the needs of a changing professional world. More efficient use of communications technologies must be made in order to permit effective activities and exchange. Resources must be harvested in order to support more activities, programs and events in support of the profession of graphic design and member associations.

The Board has held 4 meetings since its election, in Uruguay, England, Sweden and Japan/Korea. In addition, numerous meetings have been held by executive members of the board, in London and Brussels. It must be noted that board members largely finance their participation in these meetings and that this contribution enables a significant part of Icograda[pi]s activity. Wherever a board meeting takes place, board members meet with local professionals and students, take part in seminars and promote graphic design in the region. This is also a very important opportunity to energise the local community and learn at first-hand what local needs are.

Representatives of Icograda, and particularly the President, have represented the Council in important graphic design activities, meetings, seminars, competitions and exhibitions. Partial list: Barcelona, Beirut, Brno, Brussels, Chaumont, Copenhagen, Echirolle, Hanover, Istanbul, London, Lubjiana, Milan, Nagoya, Paris, Seoul, Stockholm, Sydney, Warsaw, etc.

Official contacts and responsibilities have been maintained with UNESCO, UNIDO, IFRRO, International Book Committee, Beda, and in matters of professional practice, copyright and intellectual property protection, competition regulations, etc. A document is at present under preparation on the subject of a better universal understanding of professional practices.

In collaboration with IFRRO (International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations), publication is planned for a document that grew out of the seminar held at the Icograda Congress in Uruguay. The document is to be expanded to deal with the current state of copyright in the digital era.

In accordance with a joint resolution passed by the general assemblies of ICOGRADA, ICSID and IFI calling for institutionalised international collaboration, the boards of the [greater equal]three sisters[less equal] have had intensive and frequent contact. While collaboration has been a topic of heated debate over the past decade, very rapid progress has been made over the past year. Together with a group organised by the BCD Foundation, the three sisters were at long last able to define and establish Design for the World, which will serve as an international voice for design and will seek design solutions for pressing human needs. Initial projects are already under development. The constitution for Design for the World, initialled in Barcelona in July 1998, will be submitted to the General Assemblies in Sydney for final ratification. (A more detailed report has been submitted to member associations for consideration and reaction.)

As a result of the increased contact between representatives of the three sisters, a greater degree of mutual understanding and co-operation has developed which will result in increased co-operation in the future. On March 3, 1998 the presidents of the three sisters published an important statement outlining the premise for close collaboration. The statement recognises the fundamental need for close collaboration while respecting the specific needs of the different professional areas requiring independent representation. The need for closer regional co-operation and collaboration was recognised.

The most obvious area for fruitful collaboration is education, for students and professionals, where the three sisters intend to co-ordinate efforts, in terms of programs, exchanges, seminars, databases, etc. This also includes the need to promote design to the general population - that is: the education of clients.

Progress has been made in the organisation of future Congresses and activities. The board has been involved in the preparation of the upcoming Congress in Sydney, attempting to secure broad international and multi-cultural representation in the program.

Meeting with member associations in Korea, the foundation was set for the organisation of very important events over the next two years. In the summer of 1999, the xD Seminar will take place in Seoul, offering an important opportunity for young designers, students and educators from around the world to meet and interact. In the autumn of 2000, Korea will host an important World Icograda Millennium Conference, OULLIM, which promises to be a key opportunity to set a professional agenda for the future.

First steps have been taken to organise the World Congress in South Africa in 2001. This will be an important opportunity to deal with the challenges of emerging economies and multi-cultural societies. The board will travel to South Africa in April to participate in a seminar on the organisation of this and other events.

Meeting with member associations in Japan, the foundation was set for what promises to be a fascinating Congress in Nagoya in 2003.

With the support of the University of Alberta, a report of the 1997 Uruguay Congress has been published and is available.

Important contacts have been developed with colleagues in Bahrain, China, India, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Thailand and United States interested in joining Icograda activities.

Communications have been studied and improved. The current board has utilised E.mail technology and is in frequent and extensive contact. These exchanges have permitted much more rapid and efficient exchange of ideas.

The MessageBoard has been completely redesigned and again reflects the standards of the world voice of graphic design in form and content. The new format has drawn wide acceptance and interest.

The monthly newsletter, distributed by fax or E.mail, now has a combined distribution of 1200 including a substantial distribution list in Spanish. Members are urged to utilise E.mail technology for contact and redistribution.

Working under a research grant from Middlesex University, a team led by Sarah Campbell has been developing the Icograda website. The site will act as a portal to the international community of graphic designers and will link to the sites of national associations, commercial and institutional design sites, graphic design educational sites, etc. The site will include a calendar of events and an innovative forum for individual chat and exchange. The site is at present in the final stages of testing and will go on line within the next few months.

In accordance with the need for structural review and reorganisation, and the need to secure more financial support, the board seeks to take advantage of the potential of the Icograda Foundation and Trading Company. This structure, created with great dedication, will be under new direction as of January 1999. It is hoped that the fruits of expanded activities will be evident by Sydney.

The institutional financial resources of Icograda are provided almost entirely by memberships fees. As mentioned earlier, an important financial contribution is made by the board members themselves. As discussed at the General Assembly in Uruguay, additional substantial sources of financial support must be found. The changes envisioned for the Foundation promise to support this initiative.

While we are all sensitive to the difficulties usually facing member associations, particularly in times of international financial turmoil, it is important to stress that full and timely payment of membership fees is crucial for maintaining activities.

In a similar manner, the board is in the process of re-examining membership requirements and the dues structure. The board will place proposals before the general assembly intended to better reflect the current situation, permitting an expansion of membership.

The annual Icograda London Student Seminar was held at the Odeon Cinema during February 1998. Organised by The Foundation in London and Mervyn Kurlansky, leading international graphic designers made presentations to 1100 students. The next Icograda London Student Seminar, celebrating the 25th anniversary of this event, will be held in February 1999. It is the intention of the board to broaden this program internationally, planning for regional events to be held in co-operation with local members.

Joint celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of both ICOGRADA and IFI were held in Copenhagen (May) and Brussels (July).

The secretariat in London, as always, has been dealing with the day to day needs of the organisation, the preparation of meetings, contact with international organs, member associations, communications, finances and numerous visits and requests.

Board member Zdenka Burianova resigned from the board in September for personal reasons. We take this opportunity to thank our colleague for her contributions over many years and send her out best wishes for the future.

Over the next ten months, the board[pi]s agenda includes the following items:

> Co-operation with the new Foundation and Trading Co. leadership in implementation of new program of activity and sponsorship development.
> Introduction and expansion of website.
> Development of communications, database and promotional material.
> Development of package of regional activities (seminars, meetings and exhibitions).
> Continuation of contacts with potential members.
> Development of new programs for educational membership and young professionals.
> Continuation of collaborative programs with ICSID, IFI and DftW. Development of contacts with colleagues in related areas of packaging design, digital media, art direction, environmental graphics, etc.
> Preparation of upcoming events.
> Development of proposals for restructuring to be placed before General Assembly.

We believe that important progress has been made over the past year. Much remains to be done over the next year. We know that the time will pass quickly.

We would like to take this opportunity to impress upon our colleagues that the enormous potential of Icograda depends on the PARTICIPATION of all members. Only through active and constant participation will Icograda be able to reach its potential, and, only through such participation will member associations harvest benefits for their individual members.

Take advantage of Icograda activities.

Distribute Icograda information.

Identify and communicate member needs, interests and priorities.

Communicate and report - by letter, fax and E.mail - news, activities, thoughts and ideas.

Prepare for the General Assembly; review material submitted to you; prepare proposals and questions - if possible inform us in advance.

Become active. Board members have a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the world graphic design community, while gaining unique experience and contacts. Seek and nominate candidates for the next board.

Conclusion:

As we approach the new year, we take this opportunity to express our thanks to all of our colleagues who give of their time and effort to promote the interests of the international community of graphic design. We send our best wishes for a peaceful, prosperous and happy 1999 and look forward to hearing from you and meeting you in Sydney.

Guy-A. Schockaert, President 1997-99
and The Board of Icograda

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Guy-A. Schockaert, Designer Graphique, UDB, FSTD

President Icograda 1997-99
International Council of Graphic Design Associations

Ad hoc Design s.p.r.l.
Atelier conseil en communication visuelle
Venelle aux Quatre Noeuds 98
B - 1150 Bruxelles - Belgique

T +32-2-770 65 42
F +32-2-770 14 02
Hand phone +32-75-76 33 22
E.mail : guy.schockaert@euronet.be