Draft:International Council of Fine Arts Deans

About
Established in 1964, the International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD) is an organization comprised of deans, associate and assistant deans, directors and chairs, and other executives involved in fine arts across higher education, both in North America and globally. ICFAD explores diverse challenges and opportunities within the realms of leadership, administration, and the disciplines of fine arts and design. The International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD) is a vehicle through which members share information and ideas that enhance the leadership of arts units. The ICFAD membership is comprised of over 400 arts deans throughout North America and around the world. ICFAD focuses exclusively on issues that impact all creative units in higher education including fine and performing arts, arts education, art history, architecture and communication.

According to the Union of International Association, "As an alliance of arts administrators representing institutions of higher education, provide leadership in arts education and a forum for the exchange of ideas and information; foster the highest standards in the professional, encouraging global understanding and cooperation, providing services to its members and offering leadership for the arts in society." ICFAD is a member of Americans for the Arts.

History
The International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD) originated in September 1963 during the National Council of Arts in Education (NCAIE) meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with seven deans recognizing the need for an organization representing fine arts administrators. Initially named the National Council of Fine Arts Deans (NCFAD), the organization formalized its rules in 1964 during the NCAIE meeting in Oberlin, Ohio.

In 1967, the organization adopted the name International Council of Fine Arts Deans to reflect its commitment to international collaboration. Over the years, ICFAD expanded its global focus, hosting conferences outside the United States and collaborating with international organizations. Currently, 11% of its members represent institutions from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific Basin.

Until 1978, ICFAD operated informally, but in 1979, it adopted a new organizational structure with elected officers and gained nonprofit status. In the 1980s, ICFAD experienced growth, and in 2006, the Board of Directors redefined its mission to focus on "Arts Deans Helping Deans." This shift led to a significant increase in membership by approximately 27% (around 400 members) in two years.

In October 1990, the International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD) directed its Arts in Education Committee to formulate principles for prospective college students. This booklet aims to spark discussions on standards, frameworks, goals, and initiatives linked to K-12 arts education programs. Additionally, it offers guidance for ongoing preparation of students in arts education teacher preparation programs. The document delves into the distinct considerations for visual arts, music, dance, and theatre, providing examples of the expected knowledge, skills, and abilities for students in each discipline.

Through creative and collaborative efforts in facing the challenges of 2020, ICFAD achieved financial stability and enhanced member benefits. ICFAD serves as a communication and education hub, keeping members informed and educated about current issues and topics in higher education Arts administration in the United States and globally. Regular email updates, the website, online programming, a discussion forum, and national conferences form the core channels of communication, ensuring members stay informed about initiatives, resolutions, and emerging trends in the Arts.

Board Members
Members of the Board of Directors serve as representatives of the membership, assuring that the organization runs in accordance with the agreed upon mission, policies and laws of the membership. This diverse Board is meant to guide ICFAD through its mission of promoting arts leadership, activism, and advocacy in higher education.

Nancy Uscher- currently serving as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, continues her two-year tenure as President.

James Frazier-Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Florida State University, has been automatically elected to a one-year term as President-Elect.

Eileen Strempel- Inaugural Dean at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, has been elected to a two-year term as Secretary. Successful completion of the Secretary role positions the individual as the automatic nominee for the Nominating Committee's consideration for the office of President-Elect, contingent upon distinguished service and good standing membership. Strempel expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I am honored and energized about service as the next board secretary."

Sarah Bay-Cheng, Dean of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design at York University, continues her leadership role.

Annual Conferences
The International Council of Fine Arts Deans holds an annual conference and maintains an active listserv focusing on issues important to those overseeing the fine arts. Typically taking place in October at a prominent cultural hub, this conference offers a valuable platform for formal and informal networking among attendees. Participants engage in discussions about advancements in the arts and various general topics of interest. The conferences commonly showcase panel discussions featuring prominent national Arts experts, local Arts leaders, and ICFAD Deans.

2024 - Montreal, Canada

2023 - San Juan, Puerto Rico

2022 - In the binational region of San Diego, California and Tijuana, Baja California

2021 - Online - In collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University/VCUarts and the University of Richmond, the International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD) hosted its 57th Annual Conference from October 6-8, 2021. Christoph Weckerle, Director of ZCCE, represented ZCCE at ICFAD's Global Connections Committee on October 7, 2021. The conference focused on global consciousness as a key element in sustaining international relations, highlighting the importance of peer knowledge and experience, particularly in navigating challenges and opportunities in arts higher education amidst the pandemic. The session facilitated discussions among international colleagues to share insights, address ongoing struggles, and explore collaborative resources.

2020 - The International Symposium and Global Seminar

2019 - Austin, Texas - In October, the College of Fine Arts in Austin hosted the 2019 International Council of Fine Arts Deans’ annual conference, attracting over 200 deans and administrators from global arts institutions. Highlights included a workshop on arts institution development, a performance of The Method Gun, a presentation on arts alumni data, and a welcome from Austin Mayor Steve Adler. Notable moments featured the Award for Arts Achievement to Louis Black, a roundtable on university public art, and an interview with artist Mariam Ghani by NPR Correspondent John Burnett. Attendees also enjoyed a sunrise visit to the James Turrell Skyspace, The Color Inside.

2017 - Halifax, Nova Scotia

2016 - Grand Rapids, Michigan

2015 - Atlanta, Georgia

2014 - Kansas City, Missouri

2013 - New Orleans, Louisiana - Renowned Broadway figure André De Shields, a nominee for the Tony Award on two occasions, has received an invitation to serve as the keynote speaker at the International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD) Conference. This esteemed event is scheduled for Friday, October 25, at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. De Shields will delve into the theme "The Artist As Alchemist" during his presentation, which will draw an audience comprising over 100 Deans and administrators representing fine arts institutions worldwide.

2012 - Minneapolis, Minnesota

2011 - Washington, D.C.

2010 - Sarasota, Florida

2009 - Salt Lake City, Utah

2008 - Portland, Oregon

2007 - Charleston, South Carolina

2006 - Boston, Massachusetts

2005 - Scottsdale, Arizona

2004 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2003 - Fort Worth, Texas

2002 - Toronto, Canada

2001 - Long Beach, California

2000 - Miami, Florida

1999 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

1998 - St. Louis, Missouri

1997 - San Antonio, Texas

1996 - Washington D.C.

1995 - Montreal, Canada

1994 - Minneapolis, Minnesota

1992 - San Francisco, California

1991 - New Orleans, Louisiana

1990 - Chicago, Illinois

1989 - Ottawa, Canada

1988 - Seattle, Washington

1987 - Cleveland, Ohio

1986 - Boston, Massachusetts

1985 - Banff, Canada

1984 - Amsterdam, Netherlands

1983 - Dallas, Texas

1982 - Washington D.C.

1981 - Los Angeles, California

1980 - Toronto, Canada

1979 - Chicago, Illinois

1978 - San Francisco, California

1977 - Minneapolis, Minnesota

1976 - Palm Springs, California

1975 - Vancouver, Canada

1974 - Denver, Colorado

1973 - Atlanta, Georgia

1972 - Mexico City, Mexico

1971 - Los Angeles, California

1970 - Chicago, Illinois

1969 - London, England

1968 - Boston, Massachusetts

1967 - New Orleans, Louisiana

1966 - San Francisco, California

1965 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1964 - Oberlin, Ohio