About Us

AICA-USA is the United States section of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA), founded in June 1949 in Paris and originally affiliated with UNESCO as an NGO (“non-governmental organization”). At present there are 63 member nations representing more than 4,000 art critics.

AICA International was formed in order to revive the critical discourse that had suffered under Fascism and the war, and which was under pressure in nations around the world. AICA-USA, headquartered in New York, is the largest national section, with a membership of over 400 distinguished critics, curators, scholars, and art historians around the country. AICA-USA is intent on international communication, elevating the values of art criticism as a discipline and acting on behalf of the physical and moral defense of works of art.

Each year, in a widely covered event, AICA-USA presents museums, galleries and alternative spaces with Best Show awards. AICA is the only organization to award excellence in museum and gallery exhibitions. It does so to indicate the standards by which its members judge what they see.

AICA presents a series of lectures and programs, including the AICA Distinguished Critic Lecture at the New School and the AICA Commemorative Lecture at the New York Studio School, panels at the College Art Association, and tours to artists’ studios in emerging art neighborhoods. Our website lists job possibilities for members and a “reading list” with links to online art publications. An active Professional Issues Committee concerns itself with working conditions for critics. An Advocacy Committee investigates issues of concern to the profession and advises the board and the membership on actions to take.

AICA members are issued a membership card recognized for entrance to museums around the world. They are informed of relevant activities in the AICA Newsletter, and are invited to the annual AICA International Congress in a different nation each year.