APAA Membership

Membership in the APAA is by invitation of the Board of Directors.

In order to qualify for membership, an advisor must have an established reputation for honesty, integrity and professionalism in the field. As the only standard setting organization for art advisors, we ensure that those considering hiring an advisor can take comfort in knowing that APAA members share the highest standards of expertise in their field.

Procedures for Membership in APAA

New members are admitted to the APAA by recommendation to the Board of Directors.  To begin the process, an APAA member, or a non-member art advisor, can contact APAA at info@artadvisors.org.  A letter of inquiry should address the criteria set forth in the APAA Membership Qualifications described below.  The sequence for reviewing prospective members is as follows:

  1. The Membership Committee meets to review newly proposed members.
  2. The Membership Committee meets with potential candidates to evaluate the criteria set forth in APAA’s membership qualifications. Selected candidates will be asked to submit supplementary materials, including a current resume, a description of your business and projects, as well as references for three gallerists with whom you have worked who can discuss your character, qualifications, business practices and ethical conduct.
  3. The Membership Committee meets to review materials and present candidates to the Board of Directors for a vote.
  4. The Board of Directors votes to approve recommended candidates for APAA membership.

APAA Membership Qualifications

  • Advisor has been the principal in their own firm or a corporate art curator for at least five (5) years
  • Advisor has at least five (5) years previous experience with a museum, auction house/gallery or private art collection
  • Integrity of business practice and ethical behavior as laid out in the APAA Code of Ethics
  • Proven expertise in their given field
  • At least a BA, MA and/or PhD in Art History, Business of Art or a proven equivalent.

APAA Code of Ethics

  • Members of APAA are distinguished by adherence to a core set of ethical principles. By joining the APAA, members accept its code of ethical and professional practices which must be observed in relations with clients, artists, gallerists, dealers, auction houses and related professionals.
  • APAA members may not maintain inventory for sale, accept artwork on consignment or act as private dealers in any transaction.
  • APAA members maintain lawful practices, complying with state and federal laws in taxation, exercising due diligence in researching the provenance of recommended acquisitions, and refusing any requests by clients or vendors to subvert the law in any fashion.
  • APAA members should not perform services that would be, or appear to be, adverse to the interests of his or her client unless those services are fully disclosed to the client and the client provides advance consent to the services in writing.
  • APAA members do not accept financial compensation that creates a conflict of interest between the member and their client.
  • APAA members do not solicit or accept compensation from service providers or vendors.

APAA membership is by invitation and based on the following criteria:

  • Working as a principal of one's art advisory firm for a minimum of 5 years.
  • Obtaining an advanced education and experience in the study of fine art.
  • Not maintaining inventory or accepting art on consignment.
  • Being compensated by one's clients and being paid by only one source per transaction.
  • Transparency with clients regarding compensation structure.
  • Prioritizing clients' interests.

Membership Committee

Elizabeth Szancer
Wendy Cromwell
Gabriel Catone
Kay Childs
Todd Levin
Patrick Legant

 
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