Becoming a Member of the IFPDA

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

As the worldwide authority on fine art print connoisseurship, collection, and publishing, membership in the IFPDA is highly selective, representing the highest level of expertise and adherence to the IFPDA Code of Ethics.

Benefits of membership include

  • use of the IFPDA Member logo on websites and cross-promotions  
  • rolling submissions for IFPDA Online Viewing Rooms
  • promotion of IFPDA Online Viewing Rooms through email blasts and social media
  • a profile page on the IFPDA website which spotlights member exhibitions and Online Viewing Rooms
  • listing in IFPDA group advertisements (Print Quarterly, Journal of the Print World, etc.)
  • an invitation to participate in the online edition of the IFPDA Print Fair
  • an invitation to apply for a booth at the IFPDA Print Fair at Park Avenue Armory
  • access to exclusive members-only online seminars on social media marketing and current legal issues

MEMBERSHIP PROCESS

To be considered for membership, a candidate must be recommended by a current IFPDA member. This recommendation should be submitted by the IFPDA member directly to the IFPDA’s Membership Committee Chair. Candidates may provide supporting documentation relevant to their candidacy directly to the recommending member. Review of candidates for membership involves the Membership committee in consultation with the Board of Directors and the entire membership. An invitation to membership will not necessarily occur during the year in which a review is initiated. Membership in the organization does not guarantee participation in the annual IFPDA Print Fair in New York.

ELIGIBILITY & QUALIFICATIONS

  • The prospective member shall have been in the art business for at least five years. 
  • The prospective member must have an established reputation for honesty, integrity, and professionalism among peers and in dealings with the public, museums, artists, and other dealers.
  • The prospective member shall, in the opinion of the IFPDA, be engaged in dealing in fine, original prints of aesthetic quality and value. 
  • The prospective member has made and continues to make a substantive contribution to the cultural life of the community. In assessing this contribution, the Board will review:

i. the nature of the works offered for sale by the prospective member;
ii. whether any such works are by artists represented in recognized collections or museums;
iii whether the prospective member mounts exhibitions and promotes programs that further the understanding and appreciation of prints;
iv. whether the prospective member issues print catalogues or other print related publications; and
v. other matters relevant to qualifications for IFPDA membership that may come to the attention of the Board.

A private dealer who does not operate a public space, hold public exhibitions, or publish scholarly catalogues may be considered for membership by meeting the same conditions and standards as specified above except for the exhibition and programs requirements.

A print publisher may be considered for membership according to, though not limited to, the following criteria:

i. The national or international reputation of the publisher and the artists published.
ii. A dedication to technical expertise and innovation resulting in prints of high quality.
iii. The level of engagement in “fine print dealing” in distinction to for-hire contract printing.
iv. Whether the prospective member has made and continues to make a substantive contribution to the cultural life of the community.