The International Chamber of Arts (ICA), a global initiative of the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF)—an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)—brings together artists, cultural leaders, creative entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions from across the arts value chain to strengthen the Arts Economy as a vital pillar of sustainable development. By fostering structured dialogue, ethical governance, investment readiness, and cross-sector collaboration, the Chamber supports creative industries worldwide, enabling cultural innovation, economic growth, and inclusive prosperity while aligning with global development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The launch of the International Chamber of Arts reinforces WBAF’s mission of easing access to finance for entrepreneurs, extending this commitment to the creative and cultural sectors, where access to capital, structured governance, and global networks remain critical to long-term growth.The Chamber advances its mission — Where Creativity Meets Capital — by connecting artistic brilliance with global investment and economic opportunity.
The International Chamber of Arts (ICA) will operate under the leadership of Manos Ioannidis, a well-known contemporary portrait painter of Greece of post-ancient times, who will serve as the Chair of the Chamber.
WBAF Headquarters — The World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), announces the launch of the International Chamber of Arts (ICA) — a landmark global initiative designed to position the arts and creative industries as a vital pillar of sustainable economic development and financial inclusion.
The International Chamber of Arts (ICA) will operate under the leadership of Manos Ioannidis, a well-known contemporary portrait painter of Greece of post-ancient times, who will serve as the Chair of the Chamber.
The establishment of the International Chamber of Arts (ICA) marks a historic step in recognising the arts not only as cultural assets but also as powerful engines of economic growth, employment creation, innovation, and cultural diplomacy.
A Global Platform for the Arts Economy
The International Chamber of Arts (ICA) brings together global leaders from across the arts value chain through specialised Sub-Chambers, functioning as professional platforms dedicated to strengthening the Arts Economy within the global framework of WBAF.
Recognising the arts as a powerful driver of economic value, employment, innovation, and cultural capital, the Chamber will foster structured dialogue, ethical governance, investment readiness, and cross-sector collaboration to support creative industries, cultural institutions, and artists worldwide.
Through these initiatives, the International Chamber of Arts will contribute to inclusive growth, cultural diplomacy, and long-term socio-economic resilience, aligning its mission with the G20 financial inclusion objectives, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and broader global development priorities.
Leadership Statements
Baybars Altuntas, Executive Chairman of WBAF, stated:
“The launch of the International Chamber of Arts represents a historic milestone in recognising the arts as an economic force that contributes not only to culture but also to innovation, employment, and sustainable development. Through this Chamber, we aim to connect creativity with capital, strengthen investment readiness in the arts sector, and unlock new global opportunities for artists and creative industries worldwide.”
Manos Ioannidis, Chair of the International Chamber of Arts, commented:
“Art has always been a bridge between cultures and generations. With the establishment of the International Chamber of Arts, we are building a global platform that connects artists, institutions, investors, and cultural leaders to elevate the arts as a vital contributor to economic resilience, cultural identity, and sustainable development.”
Structure and Opportunities
Members of the International Chamber of Arts (ICA) will become part of a distinguished international network and may have opportunities to:
- Serve on the International Chamber of Arts Board
- Lead specialised Sub-Chambers
- Participate in global initiatives and collaborations
- Benefit from the WBAF accreditation framework
- Engage with investors and policymakers supporting the creative economy
The Chamber will operate through a series of specialised Sub-Committees designed to address key segments of the global arts ecosystem, enabling collaboration between artists, investors, collectors, cultural institutions, galleries, museums, and policymakers.
The launch of the International Chamber of Arts reinforces WBAF’s mission of easing access to finance for entrepreneurs, extending this commitment to the creative and cultural sectors, where access to capital, structured governance, and global networks remain critical to long-term growth.
Global Invitation to Participate
WBAF invites artists, cultural leaders, creative entrepreneurs, collectors, curators, galleries, museums, cultural institutions, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders to join this global initiative and contribute to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and investment-ready global Arts Economy.
Applications to join the International Chamber of Arts (ICA) are now open. Interested professionals and institutions may submit their applications through the official link.
