The International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD) is an alliance of arts administrators representing institutions of higher education. ICFAD provides leadership in arts education, offers a forum for the exchange of ideas and information, and addresses issues of common concern.

Further, ICFAD is committed to fostering the highest standards in the profession, encouraging global understanding and cooperation, providing services to its members, and offering leadership for the arts in society.

ICFAD meets its mission by:

providing forums, conferences and publications in higher education in the arts;

developing dialogue with other organizations, particularly those with similar goals and objectives;

fostering arts education practices and research across all the boundaries of arts-related problems;

embracing diversity through the encouragement of the study of arts in all cultures; and

promoting partnerships between academic institutions and the communities in which they are found.

recognizing contributions and commitment to the arts through the presentation of the ICFAD Award for Arts Achievement and Excellence.