The International Biennial of Graphic Design is held every other year in Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic – right in the heart of Europe. The main organizers are the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and the Moravian Gallery in Brno, in the buildings of which the Biennale takes place.
The event covers two regular themes that are alternated with each other – one includes posters, corporate identity and advertising graphics, while the other deals with graphic design and type in books, magazines, newspapers and new media.
Although many renowned artists participate, the Biennial is also open to young fledgling designers. The only priority is the quality of work. The volume of submissions is usually about 3,000 works by several hundred designers, from virtually every continent. From these, items for exhibition are chosen by the selection committee. All of the accepted designs are displayed and the International Jury then awards the Grand prix, prize for the best work in each category, as well as other prizes.
The main exhibition is accompanied by a number of associated events – in particular the symposium dealing with major contemporary issues in graphic design. Each Biennale is supported by a colour catalogue in which all of the exhibiting artists have one page with their brief details and a reproduction of their best exhibit. Each Biennial presents the most interesting ideas produced during the previous four years.
—
