American Institute of Graphic Arts
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The American Institute of Graphic Arts (often known simply under the acronym AIGA) is the American professional organization for design. Organized in 1914, the AIGA, which now claims over 16,000 members, conducts various activities and programs to support the profession and enhance its public image, including 365: AIGA Year in Design, 50 Books/50 Covers, AIGA medalists, AIGA fellow award, Corporate Leadership Award and other recognitions and efforts. There are currently 56 chapters in the United States.
[edit] Historical background
At the National Arts Club, 119 East 19 Street New York City, 40 people met and passed a resolution authorizing a committee to draft a constitution and bylaws for a new organization named (at the suggestion of Charles DeKay) the American Institute of Graphic Arts and established "as a source of pleasure and intellectual profit" to its members. William H. Howland, publisher and editor of The Outlook, was elected president.
The mission statement was last modified in 2000:
"AIGA's purpose is to further excellence in design as a broadly defined discipline, strategic tool for business and cultural force. AIGA is a professional association committed to stimulating thinking about design through the exchange of ideas and information, the encouragement of critical analysis and research and the advancement of education and ethical practice"
In 2006, The American Institute of Graphic Arts changed its name to AIGA including a descriptive title "The Professional Association for Design." This was done to expand the groups focus from exclusively graphic design and to encompass other design fields.
[edit] Member and Public Services
Membership in AIGA is currently $295 for professionals and $75 for students (the student need not be a graphic design major). AIGA and its local chapters provide services to their members, often in the form of job banks, member directories, discounts on products and services, conferences, trainings (often done in collaboration with firms such as Apple Computer and Adobe Systems) and social get-togethers (from happy hours to award banquets).
They also design the government standard DOT pictograms.
