The International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFPDA) has announced a significant evolution in its mission, expanding its purview to embrace artists' drawings alongside prints. This strategic rebranding to the International Fine Prints & Drawings Association (IFPDA) is set to redefine its annual fair, welcoming a broader spectrum of art and exhibitors. This change reflects a growing recognition within the art world of the interconnectedness of these mediums and the shifting dynamics of collector interests, particularly among newer generations.
IFPDA Expands Vision: Embracing Drawings and Redefining the Art Fair Landscape
For nearly four decades, the IFPDA's annual print fair has been an essential platform for showcasing the intricate world of printmaking. However, in an exciting development set to unfold in 2026, the organization is officially broadening its mandate to include drawings, marking a pivotal moment in its history. This expansion, formalized through a membership vote and legal procedures earlier this year, will see the fair transform into the International Fine Prints & Drawings Association. The forthcoming edition of the fair, scheduled for April 9–12, 2026, will host 77 exhibitors, with a notable inclusion of specialists in artists' drawings.
This transformative step has been several years in the making, catalyzed by the fair's escalating popularity. The 2025 edition witnessed a record-breaking attendance of over 21,000 visitors, a surge attributed to a heightened interest from younger collectors and institutions, with VIP registrations soaring by 57 percent. Reports from ARTnews indicated that Gen Z and millennial buyers are significantly influencing this market shift, gravitating towards prints as other art sectors experience a downturn. This expansion represents the fair's first structural alteration since 1990, when print publishers were initially welcomed into the fold.
Jenny Gibbs, the executive director, emphasized that this evolution is far more than a superficial change. She highlighted the artificial divide between prints and drawings in the market, contrasting it with how museums typically organize their collections. While auction houses often categorize drawings with paintings, Gibbs noted that artists frequently move between drawing, printmaking, and other editioned works, and the market is now catching up to this organic creative process. The integration of drawings dealers is seen as both a philosophical alignment with artistic practice and a practical response to the soaring demand for exhibition space at the Park Avenue Armory in New York, where the fair is staged. The 2025 fair's success led to the introduction of larger booths, catering to the needs of returning exhibitors.
The 2026 fair will feature the debut of Sigrid Freundorfer Fine Art, a new member specializing in drawings, alongside existing exhibitors like Crown Point Press, Gemini G.E.L., Hauser & Wirth, Pace Prints, and Universal Limited Art Editions, who will be expanding their presentations to include more drawings. Prominent dealers such as David Tunick, Inc., Hill-Stone, John Szoke Gallery, and Long-Sharp Gallery will also showcase significant works on paper. Additionally, the fair will host invitational presentations from institutions like the Drawing Center, the Hammer Museum, the National Gallery of Australia, and Print Center New York, further enriching the fair's institutional partnerships. The full impact of this expansion is anticipated by 2027, when a larger group of newly admitted drawings specialists will be able to present dedicated booths.
This strategic move aligns with broader market trends, as revealed by the latest Art Basel & UBS Art Market Report, which indicates that sales under $50,000 constitute 85 percent of all global art transactions. This price range is particularly conducive for prints, editions, and works on paper, establishing the IFPDA fair as a crucial entry point for emerging collectors, as well as a venue for historically significant pieces offered by specialist dealers and publishers. Gibbs believes this integration of drawings will help collectors better understand the inherent relationship between these mediums, reflecting both artists' creative processes and museums' collecting philosophies.
The IFPDA's decision to embrace drawings marks a forward-thinking approach that acknowledges the fluidity of artistic expression and the evolving landscape of art collecting. By formally recognizing the interconnectedness of prints and drawings, the association is not only expanding its market reach but also fostering a more comprehensive appreciation for works on paper. This move could inspire other art fairs and institutions to re-evaluate traditional categorizations, promoting a more integrated understanding of the art world. It underscores the importance of adapting to collector interests and artistic practices, ensuring the continued vibrancy and relevance of the art market for future generations.
