Sydney, Australia (March 9, 2001) — Aquent, a global company dedicated to building the careers of Independent Professionals (IPs), today announced that it is partnering with the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) to provide an array of support services and professional training opportunities for AGDA's members. Aquent will also help AGDA develop programs to educate its membership about professional advancement and career planning issues. This alliance makes Aquent The Official Career Partner of AGDA.

"Aquent is pleased to put its 15 years of experience placing and supporting graphic design professionals to work for AGDA members," said Valerie Peck, Aquent's Regional Manager for Asia Pacific. "Our extensive portfolio of services and base of over 30,000 clients worldwide perfectly complement AGDA's history as the largest and most prestigious graphic design organization in Australia."

Aquent will offer AGDA members training and other educational opportunities through hands-on workshops, product demonstrations and sponsorship of AGDA's exhibitions, lectures and educational activities.

"We are excited to partner with the company known as the premier source for independent design professionals,' said Rita Siow, AGDA's General Manager. "Having a shared mission and combining our resources and professional network will work to better serve our membership and further the growth of graphic design as a profession."

The AGDA is a national, non-profit organization which was founded in 1988 to facilitate the advancement of the graphic design profession in Australia. As a professional association, AGDA seeks to establish fair and productive working relationships between graphic designers and their clients. The organization also seeks to heighten general awareness of the function of graphic design and its role in creating and maintaining effective methods of visual communication.

Aquent (www.aquent.com) is the world's largest talent agency for creative professionals. In its 15-year history, Aquent has made more than 200,000 matches of independent professionals with client companies worldwide, with revenues topping $200 million (USD) last year. Headquartered in Boston, Aquent leverages both the Internet and a network of 60 offices in 12 countries to provide independent professionals access to work, training - and the same insurance, retirement, and cash-flow management benefits enjoyed by traditional employees.