International Biennial of Graphic Design

The International Biennial of Graphic Design of Chaumont

Since 1990, the city of Chaumont in Haute-Marne has established itself as a major hub for graphic design in France and worldwide. What began as a simple Poster Festival, aimed at promoting the heritage of print and giving visibility to young French graphic designers, has become over the decades an unmissable event for contemporary visual creation. In 2017, the event adopted a biennial format and took the name International Biennial of Graphic Design.

Le Signe, the beating heart of the Biennial

Inaugurated in 2016, Le Signe — national center for graphic design is the only institution in France entirely dedicated to graphic design. Housed in the former Banque de France, Place Émile Goguenheim, this national contemporary art center hosts the main exhibitions of the Biennial. It also houses an exceptional collection of over 45,000 posters tracing the evolution of visual communication since the 19th century.

A Rich and Multidisciplinary Program

Each edition of the Biennial offers a vast program spread over five months, from May to October. Visitors can discover about ten exhibitions in several locations in the city: Le Signe, the Tisza Textil warehouse, the Institut du patrimoine haut-marnais, the Chapelle, and the Espace Bouchardon. Conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and concerts punctuate the event, especially during the opening and closing weekends.

The International Poster Competition

A historic highlight of the event, the International Poster Competition of Chaumont brings together the best graphic creations from around the world. Each edition of the Biennial presents a selection of over a hundred award-winning posters, offering a unique panorama of contemporary graphic creation. The student competition, which invites young creators to respond to a theme related to the Biennial, serves as a springboard for the new generation of graphic designers.

International Reach

The Chaumont Biennial places the city alongside major international events held in New York, Shanghai, Glasgow, Breda, and Lucerne. It attracts professionals, students, and enthusiasts from all over the world, contributing to the cultural and economic dynamism of Haute-Marne and the Grand Est region.