The Australian Antique and Art Dealers Association

The Australian Antique & Art Dealers Association (AAADA) was formed in 1992, and has some 140 members throughout Australia. The national secretariat in Melbourne, Victoria, liases closely with the local(State)chapters some of which have antecedents going back to the 1950’s, and which act as administrative branches at the state level. The local chapters hold meetings on a regular basis and three times a year send delegates to a meeting of the national AAADA executive committee, held alternately in Melbourne and Sydney.

Applicants for membership of the AAADA apply nominating their field of expertise and are assessed on their knowledge. They must also comply with conditions relating to the description and display of stock items, and must comply with the AAADA Code of Conduct in their dealings with the public. Applicants who are accepted, are listed in the handbook and become eligible for advantageous terms in relation to a range of commercial benefits. These include an insurance scheme, journals, and electronic payment facilities. They may exhibit at the annual AAADA fair (open only to members), and also receive newsletters (both national and local) and bulletins on the latest developments in academia, regulations, legislation, and other current issues affecting the trade. On occasions, where such issues warrant, the AAADA holds “in house” seminars to ensure familiarisation with the latest developments

The Association works actively to promote the antiques and art trade. Australia’s pre-eminent Antiques and Fine Art Fair is run by the AAADA and held each year in Sydney around August/September and has exhibiting members from all states. It is of sufficient prestige and importance to attract significant numbers of overseas dealers.

At the educational level, The association runs a national society (“The AAADA Society”)to encourage collecting and facilitate its enjoyment. Members of the general public who join, enjoy numerous privileges and advantages including access to the AAADA insurance scheme, free entry to the fair and other functions, as well as a regular Newsletter. They also receive tickets to the annual lecture/seminar series run separately in Sydney and Melbourne by the N.S.W and Victorian chapters for the general public. These are held in the shop premises of the convenors, and are very much “hands on” learning experiences. AAADA members tend to travel widely and have far reaching connections over the globe. For this reason the Association is actively involved with CINOA.