An Post Annual Stamp Programme
The An Post Annual Stamp Programme produces 40 to 50 stamps each year on behalf of the Irish Government. Over 1,400 stamps have been issued since the founding of the State. The programme commemorates anniversaries and events of national and international importance and involves subjects which reflect an affinity with Ireland and the Irish contribution to world affairs.
The process of selection of subjects and design of artwork for the Annual Stamp Programme is overseen by two committees - the Philatelic Committee and the Stamp Design Advisory Committee. This process ranges across solicitation of suggestions; evaluation of these; selection and decision-making relating to themes for commemoration, followed by the design of the stamps; print and production, and lastly, marketing.
For An Post, the business objectives of this process include achieving excellence in visual design on a miniature scale, which is a difficult task. The interpretation and subsequent illustration of the particular briefs may not be obvious at first and the constraints of size, format and the need for specific information (price, country etc) pose challenges for any artist or designer.
The 2009 programme comprised 48 stamps covering 24 subjects designed by 15 artists and designers. Although they work often with established artists, An Post also seeks to foster creative talent by running competitions which allow children and art graduates to contribute to the programme.
The commissioning process involved with An Post’s Annual Stamp Programme is an outstanding one, which is overseen by advisory committees to ensure it fulfills its objectives. The commissioning process is conducted in a collaborative fashion which engages the public and creates powerful statements of both An Post’s brand and our national identity.
www.anpost.ie
The process of selection of subjects and design of artwork for the Annual Stamp Programme is overseen by two committees - the Philatelic Committee and the Stamp Design Advisory Committee. This process ranges across solicitation of suggestions; evaluation of these; selection and decision-making relating to themes for commemoration, followed by the design of the stamps; print and production, and lastly, marketing.
For An Post, the business objectives of this process include achieving excellence in visual design on a miniature scale, which is a difficult task. The interpretation and subsequent illustration of the particular briefs may not be obvious at first and the constraints of size, format and the need for specific information (price, country etc) pose challenges for any artist or designer.
The 2009 programme comprised 48 stamps covering 24 subjects designed by 15 artists and designers. Although they work often with established artists, An Post also seeks to foster creative talent by running competitions which allow children and art graduates to contribute to the programme.
The commissioning process involved with An Post’s Annual Stamp Programme is an outstanding one, which is overseen by advisory committees to ensure it fulfills its objectives. The commissioning process is conducted in a collaborative fashion which engages the public and creates powerful statements of both An Post’s brand and our national identity.
www.anpost.ie
Classical Composers. A series of stamps celebrating the international language of music. Issued 14 August, 2009