This is a living document. It will be updated as the program evolves, so please bookmark this link and refer back to it each season. For any questions, reach out to us directly at info@iseda.co.

I. Welcome & Introduction

Welcome to the New Collectors Program (NCP), ISE-DA’s flagship initiative designed to cultivate a new generation of Black art collectors, cultural patrons, and stewards. This is more than a membership program — it is a guided journey toward intentional collecting, cultural literacy, and long-term engagement with the art world.

The program supports emerging and values-aligned collectors by offering:

• Tailored advising and acquisition guidance

• Curated experiences with artists, galleries, and institutions

• A peer community grounded in shared values

• Structured exposure to the ecosystem of Black contemporary art

Our goal is to help members build confidence, develop a collecting philosophy, and meaningfully participate in the cultural economy — all while honoring the histories, legacies, and futures of Black artistic production.

II. WhatsApp Group Access

Once accepted into the program, you will be added to the private New Collectors Program WhatsApp group. This is our primary space for real-time communication. You’ll receive:

• Invitations to events and advisory sessions

• Updates on newly available works

• Scheduling reminders and RSVP links

• Supplementary resources and reading recommendations

This group helps create a shared sense of momentum and accountability. Members are encouraged to actively engage, ask questions, and support each other’s growth.

III. Program Calendar & Seasons

The New Collectors Program operates on a seasonal structure to provide sustained support throughout the year:

• Spring/Summer Season: April to July/August

• Fall/Winter Season: September to February/March

Each season includes multiple touchpoints, which may vary based on your city, your level of engagement, and your personal goals. We will share:

• Confirmed events as calendar invites

• Calendar holds in advance of final confirmations

• A suggested rhythm of participation

Participation is flexible, but consistent engagement yields the strongest outcomes.

IV. Types of Program Events

Our events are curated to provide depth, access, and context across the ecosystem of Black contemporary art. Here is what to expect:

• Artist Studio Visits: Intimate visits with artists in their studios where you'll hear directly about their process, influences, and practice. These conversations provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at work in development and allow for direct engagement with artists.

• Art Fair Walkthroughs: Guided tours of major art fairs (e.g. Frieze, 1-54) with commentary from ISE-DA or invited curators, highlighting notable works and galleries. Walkthroughs equip you with the context and confidence to navigate fairs independently and responsibly.

• Gallery Hopping Days: Curated days where we visit several gallery exhibitions together in one afternoon. These are often anchored by a particular theme or artist and include space for discussion and peer reflection.

• Museum Walkthroughs: Guided visits to museum exhibitions with curatorial framing that helps build your critical thinking, visual literacy, and understanding of institutional narratives.

• After-Hours Exhibition Visits: Private or semi-private experiences outside of public hours. Often held in collaboration with gallerists, curators, or artists, these events allow for direct dialogue and deeper immersion.

• Virtual Introductory Sessions: Held at the beginning of each season to welcome new members, outline what’s ahead, and create space for connection across the group.

• Thematic Virtual Sessions: These cover subjects like how to assess value, understanding primary vs. secondary markets, regional scenes, or deep dives on specific movements or mediums.

• Collector and Artist Talks: Interviews or informal conversations with established collectors and artists who share their personal journeys, lessons learned, and strategies for navigating the art world.

• Group Discussions: Thoughtful conversations on relevant articles, exhibitions, or trends. These build your voice as a collector and encourage peer-to-peer exchange.

V. Ongoing Communication

A strong advisor-client relationship is central to your experience. Staying in touch helps us:

• Understand your evolving interests

• Recommend works aligned with your goals

• Prepare you for meaningful acquisitions

Whether you're attending an event, discovering a new artist, or exploring a potential acquisition, share updates with us regularly. This allows us to update your collector profile and guide you more effectively.

VI. Narrative Building

A key part of your journey is developing a sense of purpose behind your collection. We encourage you to explore:

• What stories or identities you want to center

• What practices, geographies, or movements you are drawn to

• How your collection might reflect or expand cultural memory

This narrative doesn't need to be fully formed at the start. It will evolve over time through exposure, advising, and reflection — but having intention is what separates collecting from consumption.

VII. Advisory Sessions

Throughout each season, you’ll have the opportunity to book private advisory sessions. These one-on-one conversations are designed to:

• Deepen your perspective as a collector

• Review artworks or exhibitions of interest

• Support potential acquisitions or budget planning

A booking link will be shared at the beginning of each season. Sessions are first-come, first-served and are limited by advisor capacity, so we recommend booking early.

VIII. Art Acquisition Policy

All acquisitions made through ISE-DA tours, programming, or introductions must go through ISE-DA. This protects your interests and maintains the trusted relationships we’ve cultivated with artists, galleries, fairs, and institutions.

Making acquisitions outside this structure compromises the integrity of the program and your access to our network. Once we have entered negotiations or a gallery has issued an invoice on your behalf, you are expected to follow through on the sale. Failure to follow through more than three times may result in removal from the program.

IX. Membership Terms

Your membership is automatically renewed at the beginning of each season. If your availability changes, you may pause or defer your membership by notifying us in writing.

We understand that life evolves, and we are committed to making this experience sustainable. However, we ask that you stay communicative so that we can manage capacity and offer your space to others if needed.

X. Feedback & Community Growth

We are always learning from our members. If there’s something you’d like to see — a type of event, a speaker, a resource — let us know. We welcome:

• Reflections on your experience

• Ideas for improvement

• Suggestions for speakers or collaborators

This is a growing community, and your voice plays an essential role in shaping its future.

XI. Seasonal Show Recommendations

At the beginning and midpoint of each season, you’ll receive a curated list of exhibitions in your home city. These lists include:

• Gallery and museum shows

• Public art and performances

• Artist talks and cultural happenings

We encourage you to visit these shows independently or with fellow members. These lists are a way to remain immersed in the local art ecosystem and practice looking, thinking, and reflecting regularly.

XII. Grounds for Removal

To preserve the integrity of the New Collectors Program and protect the relationships it relies upon, members may be removed for the following:

• Making acquisitions outside of ISE-DA after introductions or programming

• Failing to follow through on purchases after entering gallery negotiations or receiving an invoice (more than three times)

• Breaching confidentiality or disrespecting artist, gallery, or institutional relationships

• Engaging in behavior that jeopardizes ISE-DA’s professional partnerships or community values

XIII. Member Code of Conduct

By joining the New Collectors Program, you agree to uphold the following principles:

• Respect the privacy and contributions of fellow members

• Engage with artists, galleries, and partners with professionalism and curiosity

• Honor ISE-DA’s advising process and communication norms

• Act with integrity, discretion, and cultural respect

• Contribute to a learning environment rooted in care, dialogue, and community

We are honored to accompany you on your collecting journey. Thank you for being part of the New Collectors Program.

Warmly,
ISE-DA