Membership Benefits

We invite you to enjoy the benefits of ‘bundled’ membership: $1,600 annual dues includes an arts academic unit’s Dean plus four additional representatives of your choice. We think you’ll agree that the new ‘bundled' approach offers benefits including less expense than the ‘a la carte’ structure that has been in place previously; a single invoice annually; broader participation throughout the year; and more diverse constituencies. Join us anytime during the year! Your membership year is based on the date you join or renew, for 12 months.

Our new membership online form for bundled membership can be found here. Printable membership information and form to use for updating to a bunded membership, renewing or changing / adding individuals.

For members who choose to have more than five individuals of an arts academic unit benefit from membership programming, the additional individual dues will be $275 per person – again, a savings over current ‘a la carte’ fees. After you have purchased a bundled membership, click here if you choose to add additional members of your arts academic unit.

Founded on a shared passion and advocacy for the arts in higher education and a commitment to excellence in leadership, the International Council for Arts Deans (ICfAD) is a multi-national alliance of executive arts administrators representing institutions of higher education. ICfAD is committed to providing and sharing resources by and for arts administrators; supporting robust dialogue, advocacy and action; and empowering today’s and tomorrow’s creative leaders to make informed and inclusive decisions based on knowledge, empathy and conviction. 

The Dean and additional arts executives leading your academic unit are invited to join us for what is sure to be an engaging and meaningful year of membership, focused on Deans Supporting Deans. Recognizing that supportive thought leaders in your academic unit play critical roles in the success of your college or department, ICfAD has developed programming and opportunity for sharing best practices with colleagues for:

  • associate and assistant deans
  • department chairs and directors
  • advancement officers
  • communications professionals
  • gallery and museum directors and curators

Benefits of membership include, but are not limited to:

  • An Annual Conference. ICfAD hosts an international conference that offers meaningful focus on Deans Supporting Deans. Program content changes each year to focus on issues shared through member input and shifting climate and challenges. Leaders strive to provide a sense of belonging and meet the needs of deans and academic arts units colleagues – including underrepresented people in a contemporary context – and encourage professionals to be active participants. Leadership experiences and needs of Deans are continually considered, as are how political landscapes impact leadership. Active member participation provides a real capacity to support these discussions. After two recent conferences, 97 percent of survey respondents said, “My participation at this conference will enhance my job performance.” The intimate nature of ICfAD’s Conference with approximately 200 professionals has been repeatedly referred to as ‘an appreciated, intimately sized opportunity for learning from respected mentors and colleagues.’
  • International Symposia. The ICfAD international symposia are culturally immersive experiences that address global issues in the arts and higher education.
  • Online discussions and programs, with a library of recordings to reference on demand. Member recommendations and leadership is always welcome in expanding the long list of topics covered, including issues related to fundraising and donor cultivation; advocacy at community, state, national and international levels, personnel management, shared governance, leadership models and international opportunities and exchanges.
  • Membership for everyone. Your Associate Deans, Assistant Deans, Department Chairs and Directors, Advancement Officers, Communications Professionals, and Curators and Directors of Museums and Galleries are welcome to participate in their individually tailored thought communities.
  • Workshops, Seminars, Webinars, Online Discussions on topics of an international nature; focused on fundraising for higher education in the arts; enhancing career trajectory; providing leadership development; and more.
  • Interactive member e-discussions
  • Complimentary Career Center Postings
  • Relationship development and enhancement with other arts deans in higher education. Toolkit enhancement. Sharing of best practices. The result is


Members who wish to continue with ICfAD’s previous ‘a la carte’ membership may do so, at least through 2024. 
Here is a link to information about the ‘a la carte’ membership structure.

ICfAD is for the Creative Leader in You. Here's a short video of member testimonials about the value of membership.

Tesimonials: Benefits of ICfAD Membership

"Time spent engaged with colleagues -- and post-conference, strengthening those relationships -- has allowed me to develop a network of peers I would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere."

"ICfAD Conferences allow me to return home with forward-thinking ideas, based on up-to-date information and professional development offerings about current issues impacting our profession."

"The data in the association's annual Executive Data Exchange summary has proved to be valuable during negotiations. It played a key role in bringing my salary up to par with that of my colleagues. I've heard of members using the data to secure additional development support, too."

"ICfAD's International Symposiums, including visits to international campuses, are life-changing."

"I have received great benefit from my experiences with ICfAD. Through participation in the annual conferences and international symposia, on the Board and on various committees, I have gained insights into the challenges and opportunities of my position, shared my expertise, and renewed and developed long-lasting professional and personal relationships."

"Being able to post position openings on the ICfAD website has led to two of our most successful hires."