RGD Ontario


	RGD participates in Icograda and GDC events in Vancouver Report on DesignWeek in Vancouver by Lionel Gadoury R.G.D. I am very pleased to report that DesignWeek in Vancouver was both informative and constructive. The presence of RGD was warmly received by the GDC and Icograda boards with both Hilary Ashworth and I receiving many acknowledgments for what our association is achieving, both in terms of member accreditation as well as for the robust and ongoing agenda we deliver on. Upon our arrival Sunday afternoon, Hilary and I proceeded to the GDC’s annual general meeting already underway. We attempted to slip surreptitiously onto the sidelines, but once spotted we were given an impromptu welcome. It was a surprising moment; almost teary-eyed for some on the GDC board and it seemed to me that RGD’s attendance after so many years absence was perhaps seen by some as being akin to the return of the prodigal province. I think we all hope it marks a turning point in the relationship between our organizations. Being privy to the presentations by various committees, one can readily appreciate our similarities as well as our differences and it was good to experience this firsthand. Most notably, I was surprised to hear that the GDC board now seeks to introduce a formalized written test and that new plans are taking shape that will revise the GDC’s overall approach to certification. Although neither Hilary nor I were present for the discussions that had taken place, clearly a significant debate is underway and we can see why there is interest in the RGD Exam. What is less clear is whether GDC recognizes the work necessary to create and sustain a formal test, nor how important a rigorous approach is for it to be at all meaningful. Be assured that we will do our best to work with them while upholding the value of our own exam, sustaining our investment and protecting the stake of our accredited members. Shifting topics entirely, Alain Dufour of Mission Design made an inspiring presentation on a major design initiative centered in Quebec. Mission Design aims to drive economic development by creating a cultural hub and it is striving to move the head offices of 10 professional design organizations to one location. Of particular significance is the year 2017, which marks Canada’s sesquicentennial, Montreal’s 375th anniversary, and Expo 67’s 50th anniversary. 2017 also happens to coincide with the biennial congresses of six international design organizations, hence Mission Design’s goal to bring them all together to create a series of parallel congresses with unique opportunities for linkages between them. The purpose of Alain Dufour’s presentation was to obtain the endorsement of the GDC (which he did). Alain also expressed interest from an RGD endorsement and I suggested perhaps Alain make a similar presentation at a future RGD meeting. Tuesday, we particvipated in an Icograda Regional meeting, bringing together Icograda members and stakeholders to discuss policy and direction for the profession. For anyone less familiar with Icograda, it is the world body for professional communication design and visual communication. Icograda network members include professional associations, design promotion bodies, design media and design education institutions. David Berman R.G.D., Icograda VP and Treasurer, chaired the meeting and conducted a highly engaging workshop that put Icograda’s Competition Policy on trial. Clearly this is an area where the GDC and RGD are leading the world. Our No-Spec policies, member bylaws, and the assertive but constructive approach we take when responding to issues is a model we pushed for Icograda adoption. Certainly there is a general basis of acceptance, but each market around the world has its differences and further work is required in this regard. As part of the agenda, the regional group was also asked to provide input on the future direction of Icograda. I think it is fair to say that the suggestions I presented were well received. Icograda is also moving forward on sustainability and RGD has been invited to participate on a committee to address the opportunities and challenges facing our profession. This event also afforded us the opportunity to meet the incumbent President of Icograda as well as the Executive Director of AIGA, both of which are connections we intend to nurture and build upon. Shifting topics again, reporting on the conference portion of DesignWeek is not something I will go into other than to say that the opening day had several inspiring speakers with Brian Collins being my personal favourite. After the day of presentations, Hilary and I met with several R.G.D. and Prov. RGDs who reside in Vancouver to discuss how we can engage them in the activities of our Association, whether it be through remote activities or the connections that were made at our meeting. To conclude this report, I would say that past and present differences aside, both GDC and RGD face many similar challenges but are highly regarded by our international counterparts. Icograda sees us both as key contributors leading the way on issues facing the graphic design profession around the world. At RGD we may feel at times like progress is slow and that we are but one small voice, but in fact we stand out by our achievements. Recognizing the common ground we share and continuing to work collaboratively for the benefit of all is prudent; working in isolation is not. DesignWeek provided a clear indication of a willingness to forge new bonds and open additional channels for communication and collaboration at a national and international level. It was a great privilege to attend and to represent RGD Ontario!