Marc H. Choko Scholarships

From March 18 to April 13, 2025, in the McCord Stewart Museum Atrium! These posters on the theme “For a world without weapons” were selected from among the submissions to the Société des designers graphiques du Québec (SDGQ) annual design competition for the Marc H. Choko Scholarships.

This annual competition, in its eleventh edition, is intended for students enrolled in a graphic design program in a college or university that is officially recognized by the Québec government. It aims to develop their skills and encourage them to work in the field of poster design, especially in the context of promoting a cause for the common good.

For a world without weapons

Every year there are tens of thousands of victims of weapons around the world. According to a 2022 United Nations report, innocent civilians make up 87% of the victims of armed violence across the planet.

That statistic is borne out in armed conflicts in numerous countries around the world (Ukraine, Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, Myanmar, and others), but at the same time, we must not forget the victims in our own country and among our neighbours south of the border. Over the past ten years, Portapique, Fredericton, Edmonton, Moncton, and Calgary have all been the site of shootings. And in Quebec, the Polytechnique and Quebec City Mosque tragedies remain engraved in our memories. The figures from 2022 show a marked increase in gun violence in Canada, including clashes between street gangs in Quebec.

For the 2024-2025 contest, SDGQ decided to team up with Humanity & Inclusion

Humanity & Inclusion, co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize, is an international solidarity NGO founded in 1982. Its mandate includes working to reduce armed violence and advocating in countries around the world for improved living conditions and the inclusion of disabled and vulnerable people.

The criteria for the selection of the 15 posters chosen and 3 top prizes awarded included the clarity of the message, the novelty of the idea, the harmonious integration of the visuals and typography, and their quality, as well as the quality of the project as a whole.

Selection criteria

The criteria for the selection of the 15 posters chosen and 3 top prizes awarded included the clarity of the message, the novelty of the idea, the harmonious integration of the visuals and typography, and their quality, as well as the quality of the project as a whole.

Members of the jury

• Marc H. Choko, Professor Emeritus, École de design de l’UQAM and Honorary Member of SDGQ
• Anne-Marie Demers, Graphic Designer, McCord Stewart Museum
• Élise Cropsal, DGA and Creative Director, LG2
• Marie Chénier, Graphic Designer and Creative Director, Caserne
• Stéphane Huot, Graphic Designer, Studio Huot Design
• With the collaboration of Pierre Léonard, Graphic Designer, Chair, Humanity & Inclusion Canada

Winner of last year edition (2024)