About Us

AICA USA is theUnited States section of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA), founded in 1948/1949 in Paris and originally affiliated with UNESCO as an NGO ("non-governmental organization"). At present there are 64 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.

Become a member

Membership in AICA is a professional honor. The organization is open to critics who have been writing in the field of contemporary art at a high level and on a continuous basis for at least three years. (Contemporary art is defined as art made since 1900). Criticism may take the form of publications in reputable art magazines or journals, art critiques in daily papers or periodicals, reports on art for radio, or TV programs, books on contemporary art or art criticism and critical essays published in museum catalogues.

Acceptance of your application automatically enrolls you as well as an international member of AICA. AICA membership conveys the following benefits: you will receive the annual AICA-USA Press Card and an International Press Card. The press credentials entitle you to free admission to most art museums around the world. They also allow you to enter exhibitions without standing in line and you can frequently use the card to get discounts on catalogues of current shows. You will also receive our newsletters and notification of all AICA meetings, panels, and social functions. You will receive notices about workshops on professional issues, our website, and about the annual international congresses.

become a member