Founded in 1911, the College Art Association:

• Promotes excellence in scholarship and teaching in the history and criticism of the visual arts and in creativity and technical skill in the teaching and practices of art
• Facilitates the exchange of ideas and information among those interested in art and history of art
• Advocates comprehensive and inclusive education in the visual arts
• Speaks for the membership on issues affecting the visual arts and humanities
• Provides publication of scholarship, criticism, and artists’ writings
• Fosters career development and professional advancement. Identifies and develops sources of funding for the practice of art and for scholarship in the arts and humanities
• Honors accomplishments of artists, art historians, and critics
• Articulates and affirms the highest ethical standards in the conduct of the profession

CAA includes among its members those who by vocation or avocation are concerned about and/or committed to the practice of art, teaching, and research of and about the visual arts and humanities. Over 14,000 artists, art historians, scholars, curators, collectors, educators, art publishers, and other visual arts professionals are individual members. Another 2,000 university art and art history departments, museums, libraries, and professional and commercial organizations hold institutional memberships.