1. What are ICWA’s Objectives?

• Create a world-class museum celebrating the genius of women artists from around the world.
• Make its home inJordan, a cross-road of civilization, to serve as a beacon to women from every corner of the Earth.
• Reach out to every nation to educate and inspire the young artists of tomorrow using cutting edge technologies.
• Foster peace and cultural dialogue through art and free expression.
• Make it something unique and special as UNESCO’s first international museum, representing women everywhere.

2. Why do we need an international center for women in the arts?

The 194 Member States of UNESCO came together during the last General Conference to discuss and approve the creation of theInternationalCenter for Women Artists – ICWA. Aware of the many regional initiatives underway to promote gender equality in the arts the Member States of UNESCO recognized the urgent need for a global center to promote the role of women in contemporary creativity. Thus the decision was taken to create the first global museum and arts education center.

3. What is ICWA’s relationship to other Organizations that are similar in size and mission?

ICWA is positioning itself as a partner institution to regional bodies.  Currently the majority of institutions promoting gender equality in the creative industries and arts are based in Europe andNorth America.  ICWA will work to bridge and connect the work of those institutions with new or existing institutions in under represented regions.  It is for this reason that the offer of the Government of Jordan to host the center was such welcome news to the Executive Committee.

4. Who are the intended audiences for ICWA? Who are you trying to reach with the logo and the ICWA project?

The easy answer is obviously women.  ICWA hopes to support and nurture the growth and success of women in the arts.  We do plan to showcase the work of established women artist in the 40 years old and up age bracket but we will mostly concentrate on advancing the cause of the next generations of artists.  We will pay particular attention to the 25-40 emerging artists group with some coverage touching on exceptional talents in the 18-25 year old range.  Our goal is gender equality in the creative world.

5. How would you describe the eventual brand personality of ICWA?

ICWA is a bold new international initiative supported by UNESCO and several governments. It is an initiative that aims to bring people together around a common love of culture and creativity.  It is a concept rooted in the traditions and cultural heritage of places and people yet it finds expression in contemporary ideas and colors.  ICWA is modern, confident and elegant with just the right touch of history, tradition and subtlety.

6. What is the current situation of the organization?  Why is a logo so important now?

In October of last year the ICWA concept gained international support from UNESCO’s Member States.  We are at the earliest stages of building a community of supporters, raising funds and identifying the eventual location of the museum inAmman,Jordan.  A new and fresh identity will help us differentiate ourselves from similar projects and serve to rally funds and supporters to our cause. Since we are just starting out we need that strong and powerful symbol that expresses what we are and we hope to be.

7. How will the logo be used?

The Executive Committee says to imagine the logo at the entrance of a grand new museum in the heart ofAmman,Jordan. Before we get to that entrance we will use the logo across a variety of media to get the word out about our project and help us raise money.  We will use it on all of our digital communication collateral – website, email newsletters, Facebook and Twitter identities, Youtube channels and videos.  We will also use it in our print communication – letter heads, tickets, invitations, brochures, advertisements and business cards.  Think on a broader spectrum of use than a limited one.

8. I have never designed a logo.  Can you give me an idea of what I should not submit?

The ICWA Executive Committee is happy to receive submissions from professionals and non professionals alike.  What we ask is that you do a little research and seek out your most creative, original and unique expression for your submission. We welcome all submissions but we would suggest working and reworking a submission until you are confident your work is original.  Logos based on clip art, existing symbols and classic expressions of women and femininity are probably being used by other institutions. This is a new and exciting project we want our logo to be unique, exciting and forward looking.

9. Do you have a preference for hand made work or digitally produced submissions?

With today’s tools the process of designing the logo is not as important as the final output.  What is important is how we plan to use the logo.  Please see the question on eventual usage.  What we would add is that we envisage the logo to be more graphic in nature than artistic expression.  ICWA will be an international center dedicated to art and creative endeavor; it will be a place for personal and free expression.  Our logo on the other hand should not be personal artwork.  Our logo should be a unique symbol that reflects the values stated in the design brief.

10. Who is financing the competition and ICWA?

The prize and a small enthusiastic and motivated administrative team have been financed by a seed donation awarded by Mr. Serge Martin, President, and “The Great Explorers”.  The Executive Committee is currently serving in a non-paid voluntary capacity.  The logo is a key part of a fundraising strategy to move ICWA from concept to reality.  The winning design is the first step in a long journey.  We appreciate your ideas and support.