Grafia is an association for visual communication designers which aims to promote knowledge and understanding of the industry and to safeguard the professional, legal and financial interests of its members. The association was founded in 1933. Grafia’s members are communication and design professionals. The organisation has over 1,200 members and a nine-member board. Grafia’s member activities are largely funded through Kopiosto’s copying licence remunerations. Grafia uses the funds to provide grants, information, training, copyright advice and lawyers services.Founded in 1933 About 1250 members Run by a nine-member board Member of Copyright Organization Kopiosto Founding member of ico-D, member of Art Directors Club of Europe and Nordisk Visuell Kommunikation Activities:Grafia offers its members a professional community, advice and legal assistance.Grants Grafia magazine, electronic newsletter and other communication Supervision of interests and lobbying Graphic Designer of the Year award and exhibition since 1985 The Rudolf Koivu Prize awarded biennially to illustrators of books for both children and young adults Copyright advice and legal assistance Research and publication activities Member training Guilds Mentoring Vuoden Huiput – The Best of Finnish Creative Design competition since 1980 Huiput Creative Festival Participation in the organisation of the Mikkeli Illustration Triennial and Lahti International Poster TriennialBoard of DirectorsThe association’s activities are managed by its Board of Directors, consisting of nine members elected at the Autumn Meeting. The chairperson of the Board of Directors is elected by the autumn meeting from among the members of the Board of Directors for one year at a time. The Board of Directors meets once a month. Grafia’s Board 2024 chairperson, creative director Anssi Kähärä AD Tony Eräpuro creative designer Eesu Lehtola AD, graphic designer Ilona Ilottu Head of Web and Brand Design Esa Matinvesi graphic designer Katja Merisalo designer of marketing Markus Nieminen AD Virpi Vainio graphic designer Hanna Valle secretary to the board, executive director Katri Soramäki