AGDA DNA 081209

8th December, 2009

Regular updates on design news and activities of the national council and executive office

Strategy Planning Outcomes

On Sunday 6^th December National Council worked through a rewarding and impactful day planning its business strategies for the next three years.

A team of 3 councillors will provide portfolio leadership in a number of areas including membership and professional development.

Portfolio alignment with State activities is the next step with draft plans in place before the launch of the 2010 calendar.

National Council meets by telelink every month and conducts face to face meetings on a Saturday or Sunday 3 times a year.

No Free Pitch Letter Template

Free Pitching is the unfair garnering of design services without payment. It may take the form of participation in competitive tendering, discounted sampling or speculative work – situations where the designer is not fully remunerated for the time and effort in creating, developing and implementing solutions to a brief.

Whilst recognising that the decision to participate in free pitch work is an individual one, AGDA maintains its position against it.

A response letter developed by AGDA to a recent ‘free pitch’ request, which spells out the risks and offers solutions, will be posted in the Professional Practice - Resources section of the website.

Australian Design Council

The Australian Design Council is in formation by a number of key organisations representing graphic, product, landscape, interior, visual, product, textile, fashion and urban planning design. AGDA is a founding member.

Alliances with key educational institutions/organisations are in development.

This is a significant step forward as it is the first time that individual associations across all design disciplines have come together as a united voice to government and industry, and with a clear focus on the design process rather than the end product.

The ADC aims to foster cultural and innovative change, partner government and business, demonstrate strategic advantage and economic benefit, advocate sustainability, provide government procurement guidelines and encourage cross discipline collaboration.

Let the Koala Roam Free

In celebration of AGDA’s hosting of Icograda Design Week Brisbane in October 2010, AGDA produced posters - designed by Andrew Ashton, David Pidgeon and David Lancashire - for distribution at the Icograda Xin Conference in Beijing, where all three designers had been invited to speak.

During his conference session, Andrew surprised and delighted his audience by donning his Koala disguise (complete with removable head) and dancing to the tune of Rolf Harris’ much-loved rendition!

The posters were a great hit and so was the Koala Kid!

AGDA was also invited to participate in the Icograda General Assembly alongside 57 other country member organisations, and was able to provide scrutineer duties, organisational feedback and importantly, the promotional presentation of what’s in store for the October 2010 event in Brisbane Australia.

Till next week, cheers,

Rita Siow

AGDA Executive Director

Photos by Stuartt Alden.