World Humanist Congress 2014

Competition creative design brief

Contents

Overview The British Humanist Association (BHA) is hosting the International Humanist and Ethical Union’s (IHEU) World Humanist Congress in Oxford in 2014. This prestigious event takes place every three years and will attract over 700 people from over 100 different countries. The last World Humanist Congress, on the theme of ‘Peace’, took place last year in Oslo, Norway.

The BHA is looking for experienced graphic designers to pitch ideas for how we should brand the Congress – from the website, to the programme, delegate pack, folders, and T-shirts. We need a consistent and recognisable brand that captures both the theme of the Congress and the aims and objectives of the BHA.

About the BHA The BHA is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. We promote Humanism; provide services, support and representation to the non-religious; and promote a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.

About the World Humanist Congress 2014 Although we are in the very early stages of planning, the committee has already agreed a theme for the 2014 Congress and potential speakers, topics, and events are already being decided.

The 2014 Congress theme is ‘Only Connect: growing the global movement’ and relates to the epigraph to the British humanist and novelist E M Forster’s 1910 novel Howard’s End. It conveys the need for people to understand, form links between, and learn from each other.

The 2014 World Humanist Congress will bring humanist, atheist, and skeptic leaders, activists and professionals from all around the world to Oxford from Thursday 7 – Sunday 10 August.

The plenary sessions will be given by world-renowned speakers on the big themes which preoccupy humanists internationally, from morality to science, education to religious extremism, social justice to the meaning of life. Parallel workshop sessions offer the opportunity to look in-depth at the different experiences of humanists in different countries in a way that will illuminate our own experiences and offer developed resources.

Special training sessions before and after the weekend will expand the capacity of professionals and leaders from humanist organisations to be more effective in their various work.

Aims and objectives of the World Humanist Congress  To make connections between humanist groups and work across the world  To be stimulated by thoughtful discussions, events, lectures, and workshops  To promote practical ways of making a difference  Share practical ideas for new ways of working

Target audience  Humanists, atheists, skeptics from around the world  Representatives from like-minded and supportive organisations from around the world  Academics, professionals, and educators

Design specification The BHA has a clear identity and has successfully used different context branding for specific campaigns (like the Atheist Bus Campaign). Though the World Humanist Congress should have a distinct identity we will expect any designer give consideration to the BHA’s existing branding. From the BHA’s perspective we are fairly open to how the branding will look, so long as it is clean, clear, and visual.

Guidelines Essential  Visual and image based – the logo and branding must be easy to understand without relying on words  Related to the congress theme of ‘Only Connect’  Show Humanism as a positive lifestance Desirable  Reference the location of the World Humanist Congress (Oxford and/or UK)  Reflect the aims and objectives of the BHA  Reflect the well-established brand of the BHA

Deliverables The successful designer must supply a design concept which includes a logo that can be used on a variety of items – from pop-up banners to T-shirts, and on both light and dark backgrounds.

Ownership The copyright for the successful design concept submitted will remain with the British Humanist Association.

What happens next? If you are interested in entering this competition please submit your design concept along with a completed entry form to:

Andrew Copson Chief Executive British Humanist Association 1 Gower Street London WC1E 6HD or electronically to [email protected],uk to arrive no later than midday on Monday 1 October 2012.

Any queries relating to this brief should be addressed to [email protected]