Since the early days of its formation in the 1970s, Circle has actively cultivated affiliations and networking in the design sector. Following are links to some of the organisations we have been directly involved in, or that have helped shape our practice of design.

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Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC)

Founded in 1956, the 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 Society is an advocate, voice and resource for Canada’s graphic design profession, 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. Link to GDC.

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American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)

Founded in 1914, AIGA is the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of designing. AIGA is the professional association for design in the United States, with a mission to advance designing as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force. As such, it is authoritative in promoting and communicating standards for ethical conduct and professional expertise and in collecting and analyzing data about the profession. AIGA actively communicates the value of design to the business community and the public. Link to AIGA.

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International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda)

Icograda is the world body for professional graphic design and visual communication. Founded in 1963, it is a voluntary assembly of associations concerned with graphic design, visual communication, design management, design promotion and design education. Icograda promotes graphic designers’ vital role in society and commerce and unifies the voices of graphic designers and visual communicators worldwide. The vision, mission and core values of the council are collectively embodied in the communication statement of ‘leading creatively’ which is manifested through its members diverse activities to use design as a medium for progressive change. Link to Icograda.

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Friends of Icograda

Friends of Icograda is a worldwide network of individuals and corporations who share a common interest in graphic design and visual communication. Friends come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and social structures, and they support the role that graphic design plays worldwide, today and tomorrow. Friends support Icograda and contribute to its worldwide aims. Friends improve relationships between people in emerging economies and those in established economies. Link to Friends of Icograda.

Circle is a Corporate Friend of Icograda

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Type Directors Club (TDC)

The New York-based TDC aims to raise the standards of typography and related fields of the graphic arts and to provide inspiration, stimulate research, further education, and disseminate information relating to the typographic arts. The TDC holds an annual typographic design competition, organizes educational seminars, produces typography-related publications, and cooperates with organizations having similar aims and purposes. Link to TDC.

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