On February 1st, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced a contest to design a logo the would 'represent the phrase “art works” in a single image.'
The announcement went as follows:
It’s time to convert these words into a powerful image, one that conveys the complexity and power of “art works.” Here’s a fantastic opportunity to apply your creative talents to our vision. The deadline for submissions is February 26th, so time is of the essence. We look forward hearing from you!
And the guidelines which started the 23-page RFP began:
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) invites contractors to submit proposals for a design for a new “Art Works” logo for the National Endowment for the Arts and then produce a finished design that may be reproduced by the Agency in print and online.
AIGA Executive Director Richard Grefé responded with a letter in which he stated, "The approach you are pursuing is one that seriously compromises the quality of work you are entitled to and also violates a tacit ethical standard that has long standing in the communication design professions worldwide."
Read the AIGA's full response here, as well as the response by the NEA.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue.
I applaud your action on this. The current NEA seems to be a seriously compromised organization. This "contest" is in the same vein as their sotto voce campaign to coerce NEA grant recipients into creating works that would advance the Obama administration's policies. These policies are not cool. Not cool at all.