Art Dealers Association of Chicago










About the CADA

Mission Statement

The Art Dealers Association of Chicago (CADA) includes the city’s foremost dealers committed to representing the highest standards of fine art.

Elected by their peers, members of the association recognize the importance of integrity and responsibility in working with artists, collectors, museum professionals and the entire cultural community.

The CADA provides opportunities for development of artistic expression, educational programs for better understanding of fine art by the general public; and increased awareness of Chicago as a major international art center.

Gallery Services

Members of the Art Dealers Association of Chicago (CADA) regularly share their knowledge and resources with the art community and the general public. Their exhibitions and collections range from antiques to the avant garde in all media: sculpture, painting, works on paper, photography, glass, textiles, video, film and installations. Included are works by emerging and mid-career artists as well as early 20th century, modern and contemporary masters.

In addition to exhibits and collections, CADA galleries also offer a broad range of services and activities:

Cooperation with museums, artists, collectors, educational institutions and individuals
Advice to members and others on matters concerning visual arts, high standards of fine art and related ethical business practices
Collection Management: advice and consultation to the public regarding acquisitions, installation, framing, lighting, transportation, storage and direction in how to begin, build or maintain a collection
Educational programs and speakers for programs related to individual CADA members’ expertise (ex. painting, sculpture, photography, works on paper, glass, outsider art, modern masters, contemporary art, etc.)
Promotion of Chicago as an international art center

Requirements for Membership

Membership in the CADA is by invitation. To be eligible, an art dealer must have been engaged full time in the sale of art works in the City of Chicago for a minimum of two years and be committed to upholding the standards and Code of Ethics of the Association. At the time of becoming a member, the art dealer's business (gallery) should also have a record of public exhibitions.

Code of Ethics

Members pledge to abide by the laws and regulations enacted by public authorities and generally accepted standards of fair and honest business conduct. Members shall, in all their dealings with artists, the public and with their fellow members, adhere to moral and ethical standards of conduct, so as to command the respect and confidence of the Illinois Consignment of Art Act.
Members pledge that they are professional and responsible art dealers and assume complete responsibility for the authenticity of the works they sell.
Members pledge that they are experienced and knowledgeable in the types of art they offer for sale so that purchasers may buy from CADA members with confidence and good faith.
Members agree to abide by fair practices and truth in advertising.
In expressing opinions relating to competitors or their art work, members of the CADA are pledged to give fair and impartial judgement, and to deal with their fellow members, fellow dealers and the public generally, in such honorable manner with which they themselves would like to be dealt.

The Ethics Committee shall convey any reports of transgressions of the Code of Ethics to the board of the CADA. The board will have the power to revoke the membership of any member who, following appropriate review, is found to be in violation of the Code of Ethics.



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