Mission

CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL POSTER BIENNIAL

The CIPBA works with design professionals and students, professional associations, educational and civic institutions, and members of the public to advance our mission of promoting visual literacy as a professional responsibility, advancing international cooperation as a social imperative, and celebrating cultural diversity as our greatest tool for understanding and peace. With the endorsement and backing of the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (ICOGRADA), the CIPBA produces world-class competitions, public exhibitions, widespread distribution of publications, and innumerable educational initiatives.

The first Chicago International Poster Biennial exhibition was held in Daley Bicentennial Plaza—part of Chicago’s Grant Park—in September of 2008. This unique, outdoor exhibition was installed with a primary goal in mind, central to the CIPBA’s philosophy: to help realize posters as the quintessential public art form, engaging citizens at street level. Posters require an emotional and intellectual response, and they stimulate dialogue and articulation of important social, political, and economic issues. The CIPBA will continue to advocate on behalf of posters and communication design as a shared, public experience.

We would like to express our immense thanks to the hundreds of designers around the world who share their best work with us, and with the international community.

CIPBA Board of Directors

Lance Rutter, President, Yann Legendre, Joseph Michael Essex, Nancy Denney Essex, Jack Weiss, Cheri Gearhart