Join the Celebration as AIGA Turns 100

This year marks the 100th anniversary of AIGA, the professional organization for graphic design. Started in 1914 in New York City by masters of American typeface, poster and book design as well as fine and commercial printers, AIGA has grown into a robust organization with 67 chapters and more than 25,000 members.

Willoughby is honored to be a part of celebrating this milestone and Ann Willoughby is one of three co-chairs coordinating the centennial events. One of her inspirations is a series of nationwide dinner parties that are bringing together established and young designers, students and educators, to share their creativity, experiences and war stories. As a test run, we hosted the inaugural party, complete with cake, festive hats and a thankfully averted house fire.

KC AIGA is also sponsoring KC Design Week, ten events in ten days, February 27th -March 8, with speakers, participatory activities and all around good socializing opportunities for anyone with a passion for design. George Lois, design pioneer and renegade, will be the first speaker and any student of graphic design history will want to be there. Ann is also introducing him at the event.

The national site has some great features that showcase the history of design, design influencers and links to national exhibitions. There’s also a really great way to add your voice and tell the world what moves you about design. Show your support on social media with AIGA Centennial images and tag your tweets, images and posts with #AIGA100 to get the word out.

The first major event celebrating the AIGA Centennial occurred on February 19 in NYC with the opening of the “Facing Forward: AIGA at 100” Exhibition. The exhibit celebrates the history of AIGA through an special icon, the chair, and will be available for viewing through April 4.

More events are in the pipeline so stay tuned and get involved. AIGA is pulling out the stops to make this centennial event one where anyone can participate. All you need is a love for design, the desire to bring it into your life and a festive hat.