martin@dciem.UUCP (Martin Tuori) (04/10/85)
Proposal for a Canadian Computer Graphics Association
Toronto, Ontario
March 25, 1985
A group of individuals active in the development and
application of computer graphics has held a series of meet-
ings in Toronto, to discuss the need for an effective pro-
fessional association for computer graphics in Canada.
Although the services provided by SIGGRAPH, NCGA (US),
CIPS-CMCCS, and NCGA (Canada) have been valuable, there is
general agreement within this group that there is a need for
an organization to provide greater continuity of services
and activities.
Two main problems have hindered the development of an
effective organization in Canada - the differing needs of
individual interest groups, and the lack of continuity. The
first problem is evidenced by the differing expectations of
individuals in the academic, industrial, research, cultural
and artistic sub-communities. The second problem reappears
each time Graphics Interface (an annual Canadian conference)
moves to a new location. A local steering committee must
learn anew the problems of organizing and managing a profes-
sional conference and trade show. Organizations operated by
volunteers follow a consistent pattern, flowering when there
is enthusiasm, but turning dormant as individuals lose
interest or change jobs.
As a group of concerned individuals, we would like to
propose a serious reexamination of the problem, and hope-
fully, a solution. What follows is a brief statement of
purposes and goals, and a set of alternatives for creating a
suitable organizational structure. We are distributing this
material to a wide range of persons to whom we think it may
be of interest. Please feel welcome to distribute it to any-
one whom we may have overlooked. We ask that Canadian com-
puter graphics professionals consider these proposals, and
respond with criticisms and suggestions. If those responses
reach us by April 30, it will give us sufficient time to
examine and collate them for presentation and discussion at
Graphics Interface 85, in Montreal, May 27-31.
Responses can be sent by mail to:
Mr. Richard B. MacKay
C/O
National Computer Graphics Association
961 Eglinton Ave. E., Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario, M4G 4B5
or by electronic mail on the UNIX network to:
Martin Tuori, at
...![utcsri,utzoo]!dciem!martin
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Canadian Computer Graphics Association
Objectives
The Canadian Computer Graphics Association (CCGA)
recognizes the differing interests and needs of computer
graphics professionals engaged in academic, industrial,
research, educational, cultural, artistic, and entrepreneu-
rial activities. Its overall objective is to support and
foster the interests of these various groups, while
encouraging interaction and cooperation among them. To
achieve this objective, the Association will sponsor and
promote the following activities:
An annual meeting, Graphics Interface, including technical
paper sessions, panel sessions, tutorials,
hardware/software/services exhibits, art, music, and motion
picture exhibitions, competitions, and other special events.
It remains to be decided whether this meeting should travel
from city to city across Canada, be located at a fixed
annual site, or alternate between two or more major centres.
It has been suggested that the management of this conference
be turned over to a professional trade show company, with
the local steering committee responsible for policy,
scheduling, and content.
Regional and local meetings and exhibitions, including
site visits, dinner meetings, and informal presentations of
interesting applications and work in progress.
Professional development, through the sponsorship or coor-
dination of tutorials and seminars.
Maintenance of membership lists, mailing lists, resource
catalogues, and collections of visual and other materials.
Communication of information about activities, technical
problems and advice, and exchange of visual and other
materials. These activities are to be conducted through the
post, where necessary, and through electronic networking
wherever possible.
Provision of a continuing Association identity, for the
purposes of responding to requests, and expressing the
Association's interests and needs to government, other pro-
fessional associations, etc. This will be achieved by main-
taining a permanent office and a paid staff.
Collection of membership dues to support the provision of
administrative and other services. It is hoped that fund
raising activities, and profits from the annual meeting will
provide the bulk of funds required.
Membership
Membership in the Association will be available to
individuals and organizations involved in the development or
application of computer graphics and related technologies.
This includes, but is not restricted to:
Canadian universities and colleges
Computer graphics development companies, vendors, and con-
sultants
Government agencies and research institutions
Broadcasting, A/V, animation, and Videotex organizations
Printing and publishing, and advertising companies
Artists, musicians, and students
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Organizational Alternatives
The following alternatives have been suggested for con-
sideration as an organizational structure for a Canadian
Computer Graphics Association.
Maintain the status quo, but encourage better information
exchange among existing groups: NCGA (Canada), CIPS-CMCCS,
SIGGRAPH, ICC, NCGA (US), WCGA, etc.
This implies keeping the existing interest groups separate,
dealing with their individual management problems, and prob-
ably providing minimal improvement in continuity, communica-
tions or services.
Restructuring NCGA or CMCCS, by actively gaining suffi-
cient director votes; reorganizing to provide an association
to continue the tradition of Graphics Interface, while pro-
viding additional continuity and active management.
Merge several of the existing computer graphics associa-
tions, providing representation to the present directors of
each.
Form a new organization, without eliminating existing
ones.
Form an umbrella organization, to provide coordination
among existing associations.
_________________________________________________________________________
Response Form
Do you think a new or reorganized professional Canadian
Computer Graphics Association is needed?
If so, which organizational approach would you favour?
Would you be willing to pay an annual membership fee, to
help finance the proposed activities?
If so, what size of annual fee would you be willing to
pay?
Any other suggestions, criticisms, or comments would be
appreciated.
--
Martin Tuori
{allegra,decvax,duke,floyd,linus}!utzoo!dciem!martin