Micro-histories of Italian graphic design as a concept tool for a museum / archive. AIAP’s Graphic Design Documentation Centre

In 2009 AIAP, the Italian association of graphic designers, founded the Graphic Design Documentation Centre (CDPG) with the aim of collecting, cataloguing, archiving, enhancing and promoting any document related to graphic design and visual communication. The activities of the Centre are focused on the documentation of graphic design culture (historical archives), research and enhancement (exhibitions and publications). AIAP wishes to promote and disseminate the culture of graphic design. Part of the activities carried out in order to attain this goal are covered by the organisation of exhibitions and the publication of books. Members of AIAP have been and still are among the best-known and skilled Italian designers. The Association, established in 1945, considers the Graphic Design Documentation Centre as a key activity, something which goes beyond a simple archive and which has, as its ultimate ambition, that of founding a graphic design museum.