• Last week AIGA President Richard Grefé posted an explanation for why the American design organization has decided to part ways with the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda). Apparently AIGA had initially joined Icograda in order to participate in the creation of an International Design Alliance. But, Grefé writes,
After four years of negotiations with the associations representing industrial designers and interior designers—our partners in the idea of the IDA—the Icograda board voted in October 2009 to create yet another task force to study the issue. This means that the multidisciplinary vision for design representation could not begin until after the 2011 General Assembly, and even then may take several more years—a timeframe we consider neither certain enough nor rapid enough to justify our continued support.
Grefé also outlined some other negatives, including cost of membership and a disagreement over who would get to be the Dungeon Master at the next meeting. Read the entire post here: http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/why-has-aiga-withdrawn-from-icograda
• Philadelphians take note: The first major museum retrospective of Maira Kalman's work is on now through June 6 at the Institute of Contemporary Art. As the museum web site states, "Like a gift, [Kalman's] work appears to lift the spirits, no matter how ordinary or overwhelming circumstances can be." The show will also travel to San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.
• This American Life has a new logo, thanks to design firm Number 17. Full analysis of the new look on Brand New.
• And speaking of logos, today the National Endowment for the Arts announced it will be accepting proposals for a logo to represent the phrase "Art Works." The winner will receive a government grant worth $25,000. Further details and submission information here: http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/RFP/artworksdesign.html