AIGA, the professional association for design, is the place design professionals
turn to first to exchange ideas and information, participate in critical analysis
and research and advance education and ethical practice. AIGA sets the national
agenda for the role of design in its economic, social, political, cultural and
creative contexts. AIGA is the oldest and largest membership association for
professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of designing.
Founded as the American Institute of Graphic Arts in 1914 as a small, exclusive
club, AIGA now represents more than 19,000 designers through national activities
and local programs developed by more than 55 chapters and 200 student groups.
AIGA serves designers with five critical functions for a profession:
Information
Communication
Inspiration
Validation
Representation
AIGA is authoritative in promoting and communicating standards for ethical conduct
and professional expertise and in collecting and analyzing data about the profession.
It is stimulating in its provocative programming on critical issues facing design
and in celebration of both effective and innovative design, a source of inspiration
for many members. And it is open to new ideas, new professional disciplines
and the ever-evolving nature of design.