Society of Graphic Designers of Canada
| Society of Graphic Designers of Canada |
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|---|---|
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| Abbreviation | GDC |
| Formation | 1956 |
| Type | NGO |
| Legal status | Association |
| Purpose/focus | Professional resource |
| Official languages | English, French |
| Leader | Dean McNeill MGDC |
The Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) is Canada's national graphic design association. It is a member-based organization of design professionals, educators, administrators, students, and associates in communications, marketing, media and design-related fields.
The GDC was founded in 1956, became a national association in 1974 and was granted a Federal Charter in 1976. In 1996 the GDC's Ontario Chapters joined together to create RGD Ontario, Canada's first accredited body of graphic designers with a legislated title.
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[edit] Activities
The Society has been an advocate and resource for Canada's graphic design profession since 1956. The GDC maintains a national certified body of graphic designers and promotes high standards of graphic design and ethical business practices, for the benefit of Canadian industry, commerce, public service and education.
Through the media, publications, seminars, events, conferences and exhibits, the GDC builds awareness of graphic design and its essential role in business and society.
The GDC recognizes as Fellows those designers who make major contributions to Canadian graphic design. According to its website, 58 designers have received the honor since 1960. [1] Among those recipients are Allan Fleming, 1960; Burton Kramer, 1975; Chris Yaneff, 1983; Paul Arthur, 1996 and Jim Rimmer, 2007.
[edit] Organization
There are currently nine GDC Chapters and over 1000 members across Canada. The GDC communications network facilitates a national, ongoing exchange of ideas and information for designers and students.
[edit] Chapters
- Alberta North — Lori Billey, President
- Alberta South — Naoko Masuda CGD, President
- Arctic — Allison Howie, President
- Atlantic — Richard Osborne, President
- BC Mainland — Marga Lopez, President
- BC Vancouver Island — Aaron Heppell, President
- Manitoba — Oliver Oike, President
- Ontario — (see Members At Large)
- Quebec — (see Members At Large)
- Saskatchewan North — Dave Nagy, President
- Saskatchewan South — Scott Hysuick, President
- Members At Large — Adrian Jean CGD, National Rep.
[edit] Affiliations
GDC is a member of the Icograda (International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda)), the worldwide non-governmental body representing the graphic design profession. This provides GDC members with the opportunity for international recognition, professional development and a global perspective on graphic design.
The Société des Designers Graphiques du Québec (SDGQ), representing graphic designers in the province of Quebec, is closely allied with the GDC.
