history

In its present form, the Association of Dutch Designers (BNO) has been in existence for ten years. But the BNO has a precursor organization that dates back to 1904. That year saw the creation of the Association for Craftsmanship and Artisanship, known by its Dutch abbreviation VANK. The BNO is a successor to the VANK through a long history marked by mergers and name changes.

1904 The Association for Craftsmanship and Artisanship (VANK) was founded

On April 23, 1904, the VANK came about as a splinter organization of the St. Lucas Art Painters’ Association. The VANK represented artisans active in various disciplines. In those day the profession of a designer did not yet exist. Art painters, architects and artisans produced arts-and-crafts products such furniture, household and other appliances, as well as books and posters. In the Netherlands, the first training courses in the applied arts were set up around 1880. In the following years, self-confidence among this newly recognized group of professionals was on the rise, which eventually led to the creation of the VANK.

1940 The VANK suspended its activities.

1945 The Association for Practitioners of Applied Arts (GKf) was founded.

On September 1, 1945, the Association for Practitioners of the Applied Arts was created as the successor to the VANK. The new organization represented all the disciplines that then constituted the applied arts, namely textiles, glass, ceramics, graphic design, interior architecture, murals and photography. Each discipline had its own section with an executive committee. The new organization had strict vetting procedures to maintain professional standards among its membership.

1948 The Association for Advertising Designers and Illustrators (VRI) was founded.

On March 13, 1948, the VRI was founded by a close group of graphic designers and illustrators from Rotterdam and The Hague and the surrounding areas, with the aim of promoting their interests vis-à-vis the advertising agencies. The VRI also followed vetting procedures in admitting new members.

1952 The Group of Industrial Designers (KIO) was set up.

November 15, 1952 saw the inception of the Group of Industrial Designers (KIO). Industrial design was a new specialization within design. In 1950, the first school for industrial design was set up. It was the Eindhoven Academy for Industrial Design (AIVE), which is now known as the Design Academy Eindhoven.

1968 The Graphic Designers in the Netherlands (GVN) came into existence.

On April 20, 1968, the VRI and the Graphic Design Section of the GKK merged to form the GVN. The new organization also welcomed students as members. Thanks to the substantial size of the organization, it was able to set up a professional secretariat. Its vetting system was discontinued in 1975.

1975 The Association for Precious-Metal Smiths and Jewelry Designers (VES) was founded.

In 1975, the VES came into being. Its aim was to keep professionals and the public informed about developments in the jewelry design industry. The VES also sought to develop alternative sales channels for 'modern jewelry'.

1985 The Organization for Dutch Illustrators (NIC) was established.

The NIC was founded in 1985. This organization held social meetings, published yearbooks and organized an annual exhibition of work by its members, the best of whom received the NIC Illustrators Award.

1988 The GVN became the Professional Organization for Dutch Designers (bNO).

On December 12, 1988, the GVN became the Professional Organization for Dutch Designers (bNO). This meant more than a change of name. The new organization also accepted (multidisciplinary) design agencies as its members. The bNO consisted of two sections – one for individual designers and one for design agencies – and thus became much more representative for the industry. That increased the organization’s scope for carrying out activities benefiting the whole sector.

1991 The IO-Branche (later renamed KIO-Branche) was created.

On January 24, 1991, the IO-Branche came into existence. It was an organization serving the needs of industrial design agencies. Earlier, this group of agencies had joined the Foundation for Industrial Design in the Netherlands (ioN), which was set up by the government in 1985, but ceased to exist in 1990.

1992 The NIC changed its full name to Dutch Illustrator's Association NIC.

1993 The VES became the VES Free Designers.

1996 The Association of Dutch Designers (BNO) was founded.

On February 23, 1996, the bNO, KIO and KIO-Branche merged to form the BNO.

1998 The NIC became part of the BNO.

On January 1, 1998, all 400 members of the NIC joined the BNO.

2002 The VES Free Designers became the Organization for Free Designers (bVV).

2004 The bVV was incorporated into the BNO

On January 1, 2004, the 150 members of the bVV joined the BNO.


Growth in membership

1904: At its inception, the VANK had 23 members.
1945: At its inception, the GKf had 53 members who were graphic designers
1962: The GKf had 93 members.
1976: The GVN had 200 professional members and 100 student members.
1979: The GVN had 370 professional members and 275 student members.
1988: At its inception, the bNO had 825 individual professional members, 130 student members and 52 agency members.
1996: At its inception, the BNO had 2,000 individual professional members, 66 student members and 133 agency members.

Currently, the BNO has 2,500 individual professional members, 88 student members, as well as 200 members that are design agencies or design departments within companies.