Concours International de l'Affiche de Chaumont

An international competition

Since its creation in 1990, the Concours International de l'Affiche de Chaumont has established itself as the most important poster competition in the world. Each edition attracts creations from graphic designers from over fifty countries, making Chaumont the world capital of the poster. The competition takes place as part of the International Graphic Design Biennial, a major event that transforms the city into a vast space dedicated to contemporary graphic creation for several months.

Le Signe, national center for graphic design

Le Signe, inaugurated in 2016, is the only national center dedicated to graphic design in France. Located in the heart of Chaumont, this remarkable architectural building houses the competition's exhibitions, creation workshops, a coworking space, and a café. It is the reference point for the dissemination, production, and support of creation in the artistic field of graphic design. The center hosts exhibitions, artist residencies, and mediation programs for all audiences throughout the year.

An exceptional graphic heritage

The history of graphic design in Chaumont dates back to the rediscovery in the 1980s of the Dutailly collection, a collection assembled by Gustave Dutailly (1846-1906), a deputy from Haute-Marne and a passionate poster collector. This historical collection, enriched each year by the competition's selections and acquisitions, now comprises over 45,000 posters and graphic productions, making it one of the largest collections in the world in this field. This unique collection makes Chaumont a leading heritage and artistic hub.

The International Graphic Design Biennial

Since 2017, the annual festival has become a biennial event, strengthening the ambition and scope of the event. The International Graphic Design Biennial, for which the competition is a highlight, offers a rich program of exhibitions, conferences, workshops, performances, and professional meetings over five months. Each edition explores new themes through monographic exhibitions, on-site installations, and experimental projects, fostering dialogue between the different facets of graphic design: typography, visual identity, publishing, posters, signage, and digital creation.

An international jury and prestigious awards

The competition jury is composed of recognized figures from the world of graphic design, art, and culture. Among the awards presented are the Grand Prix, the Jury Prize, the Audience Award, and special mentions. The award ceremony, a key moment of the Biennial, brings together hundreds of graphic design professionals and enthusiasts from around the world. The winning works are integrated into the city's permanent collection and are disseminated internationally, offering award-winning designers exceptional visibility.