Typomundus 20 – call for entries, International Center for the Typographic Arts, 1964

The ICTA originally stated that the exhibition would be held in New York City in October 1964, with a submission deadline of February 1. However, plans changed abruptly when it became clear that two jurors from Eastern Bloc countries would not be granted entry to the United States. The Cold War was then at its height, and individuals with any perceived association with communist nations were routinely denied access.

ICTA President Aaron Burns reached out to colleagues in Toronto, to ask if the judging and exhibition could be relocated. The Society of Typographic Designers of Canada (TDC) was already mounting its own show – Typography 64 – but quickly split into two teams to support both exhibitions. It was a busy and defining year for typography in Canada.

Despite its scale and success – nearly 10,000 entries were received, with 612 selected for exhibition – Typomundus 20 was the only such exhibition ever mounted by the ICTA. A second show was planned for 1967, with other exhibitions to follow every three years, but they never materialized. The 1966 hardcover catalogue remains the sole lasting record of this landmark international event. – Rod McDonald

Artifact Text

The International Center for the Typographic Arts cordially invites you to submit entries to Typomundus 20, a world exhibition of the most significant typography of this century. Typomundus 20 will have its initial showing in New York City in October 1964, and will then travel to major cities throughout the world.

All entries selected will become part of the permanent archives of the International Center for the Typographic Arts—a research center for designers, educators, students and others concerned with typographic problems. We look forward to your participation in this project, which we hope will help preserve and document the typography of our time.

(signed) Paul Rand, Honorary Chairman, Typomundus 20