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The Year of Joan Costa begins, a tribute to Catalan design
The Official Graphic Design College of Catalonia commemorates the centenary of designer Joan Costa with an extensive program of activities.
The Official Graphic Design College of Catalonia has launched the Year of Joan Costa, a commemoration that celebrates the centenary of the birth of this influential Catalan designer and thinker. The presentation of the initiative took place on July 6, 2026 at Casa CUPRA Raval, with an institutional event at the Palau Robert that marks the beginning of a program of activities that will extend until 2027.
Joan Costa, born in Badalona in 1926, is considered a pioneer of contemporary visual communication. His work has left an indelible mark on the world of graphic design, with more than 400 brands and institutions having trusted his vision to renew their visual identity, including names such as Gallina Blanca, Telefónica, Seat and La Caixa.
The commemoration program will include exhibitions, research, awards, laboratories, digital actions and an international congress. The dean of the College, Tin Fonts, has highlighted the importance of this anniversary, which is not only a tribute, but an opportunity to recover a legacy that still challenges new generations of designers.
An outstanding Honor Committee
The commemoration has an Honorary Committee formed by prominent figures in design and culture, such as photographer Joan Fontcuberta, designer Toni Sellés, and art critics Daniel Giralt-Miracle and Pilar Vélez, among others. This group of experts will help guide the activities and reflections around Costa's legacy.
Debates about the future of design
One of the central themes of the Joan Costa Year will be the debate on the future of design in the age of artificial intelligence. The curator of the Year, Jesús del Hoyo, has stressed the importance of responsibility in design and the need to train new generations in this discipline, highlighting Costa's ability to transform the identity of companies and institutions.
In addition, among the first actions of the program stands out the Joan Costa International Award for Ibero-American Students, which will recognize final degree projects in graphic design and visual communication. The FullLila program will also be launched, which will connect designers with young talents to promote the transmission of knowledge.
The commemoration will culminate in 2027 with an exhibition at the Palau Robert and an international congress that will bring together design professionals to reflect on Joan Costa's impact on visual communication and his legacy today.
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