Dear GDC Members,

It is with great pride that the GDC National Council informs you of recent developments on the international front.

The Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) and the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding whereby both will seek to share information, systems, strategies and methodologies concerning the development and implementation of a certification program for graphic designers in Australia.

Collaboration between the GDC and AGDA will provide the opportunity for both parties to further strengthen and support each of their certification programs bilaterally, enabling shared ideals and common objectives. Specifically, benefits will include the global positioning of GDC and AGDA certification programs as examples of world best practice; a catalyst for the development of a global certification system that may be available for designers in other countries; strength in numbers when approaching governments for support and leadership; mutual recognition of certification in Canada & Australia: a benefit for designers wishing to work within these two countries;  a developing relationship between GDC and AGDA which could foster further opportunities for agreements in future years; the creation of momentum for the development of certification programs in other countries.

“The GDC has long admired and respected the work of the AGDA and we were flattered to be asked to assist them in the process of developing a certification program in Australia. The GDC has been certifying graphic and communication designers in Canada for over 50 years. We are keen to share our abundant learnings and processes with our AGDA partners,” Adrian Jean, CGD, GDC National President.

“What a momentous occasion, not only for members of the GDC and AGDA, but for all graphic and communication designers world-wide as this agreement marks the beginning of what will be the beginning of a global certification system,” AGDA President Paul van Barnveld.

At this time the GDC would like to publicly thank Dean McNeill, CGD for his role in bringing this agreement into being.

The GDC would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Chapter and National volunteers, past and present, who have developed, maintained and performed CGD certification over the past 50+ years. Without your direct contribution the GDC would not be recognized as an industry leader in certification. We could not do it without you and are grateful for all of your efforts.

We are excited to be working with AGDA and will look forward to providing you with regular updates on this initiative in the coming months.