GOLD MEDAL FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN
20.08.08
From 1912 to 1948, art competitions were as much a part of the modern Olympic Games as the sports themselves. All works had to be inspired by the sports that were around at the time and had to be original works that were not published before the Olympics had begun. In 1928 you would have been able to participate in graphic arts, and in 1936 you would have been able to partcipate in graphic arts and commercial graphic arts.
Unfortunately, from a graphic designers point of view, art competitions were ceased in 1954. This was because artists were considered professionals within their chosen field and it was a requirement for participation in the Olympics at the time for all participants to be amateurs. Several attempts have been made to re-introduce them but without success.
However to this day the Olympics is still associated with art exhibitions. The organisers of the Olympic Games are required by the Olympic Charter (the guidelines and rules of the Olympic Games) to include a programme of cultutal events to "serve to promote harmonious relations, mutual understanding and friendship among the participants and others attending the Olympic Games".
