Rebrand ignites debate about Canadian institutions hiring international design firmsand vice versa [Video]

We asked RGD Members from across the country to weigh in on the National Gallery of Canada’s procurement of a US agency for their rebrand. This is a complex issue involving a national institution, Indigenous cultures, taxpayer funds, global ambitions and our own Canadian identity.

As a first step in unpacking this, the RGD reached out to the National Gallery of Canada (NGC) directly for clarification on their procurement process: six firms were contacted, four of which were based in Canada. The winning agency, Area 17 (NY/Paris), has three partners, two of whom are Canadian. Below is the full statement from the NGC, along with statements from nine RGD Members. Opinions vary, but it is clear that these issues about Canadian design talent and global procurement will not disappear any time soon.

This piece was inspired by our own Members raising questions about our national design talent and protectionism. Should …