ATypI

Association Typographique Internationale (ATypI)

Overview
ATypI (Association Typographique Internationale) is a global non-profit organization focused on typography and typeface design. Established in 1957, it has hosted an annual conference every year since its inception.

Background

ATypI was created to unite European type manufacturers during a period of technological transition. Its goals included fostering dialogue with related professions, advancing global typography awareness, and promoting typography education. Over time, ATypI expanded its scope worldwide, welcoming members from all aspects of typography and adapting to significant changes in font production. Its initiatives include conferences, publications, awards, and educational programs.

Conferences

The annual ATypI conference, held in a different city each year, serves as a premier global forum for typography and type design discussions. Working Seminars have also been organized to address specific topics like technology and education, with the first seminar outside Europe held in 1983. Since 2013, conference talks have been available online, and virtual conferences were conducted during the pandemic.

Membership

ATypI members represent a diverse global community, including type designers, graphic designers, educators, writers, technologists, and enthusiasts. United by their passion for typography, members collaborate to advance the field’s impact worldwide.

Governance

ATypI operates as a democratically run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its board of directors is elected by members at the annual general meeting for three-year terms. The current president, elected in 2023, is Thomas Phinney, with Tamye Riggs serving as executive director since 2015.

Communities

For years, ATypI has appointed Country Delegates to report on local typographic activities. Recognizing the global and non-national nature of many typographic communities, ATypI is evolving its approach by inviting nominations for ATypI Delegates to represent regions, languages, cultures, or other interests.

Competitions, Awards, and Publications

ATypI has hosted two international typeface design competitions: Bukva:Raz (2001) in Moscow and Letter2 (2011) in Buenos Aires.
The Prix Charles Peignot, awarded every 4–6 years, recognizes outstanding type designers under 35.
Additionally, ATypI publishes books and resources supporting its mission.