ICADS was founded in 1991 by Barbara Bauer Kapitman, an Art Deco heritage activist. In 1976, Kapitman led a movement to save long-neglected Art Deco buildings on Miami Beach from imminent demolition.

Realizing that Art Deco buildings of the 1920s and 1930s were in similar danger around the world, and following her success in building support for the preservation of Miami's South Beach Art Deco Historic District, she traveled the country to raise awareness and inspire preservationists and Deco enthusiasts everywhere to form their own Art Deco associations.

Barbara created the concept for the World Art Deco Congress in 1989, a year before her death. In January 1991, the Miami Design Preservation Society (MDPL) hosted the first World Art Deco Congress. The following year, MDPL hosted a meeting of presidents of Art Deco societies across the United States. From this initiative, the National Coalition of Art Deco Societies (NCADS) was formed.Soon after, the coalition's title was changed to the International Coalition of Art Deco Societies (ICADS) with the goal of growing Art Deco societies worldwide. The International Coalition of Art Deco Societies (ICADS) is dedicated to fostering global collaboration and support for the preservation, celebration, and education of the appreciation of Art Deco architecture, design, and culture of the 1920s and 30s.

ICADS associations promote the recognition, introduction and preservation of Art Deco in their regions through a variety of educational, conservation and social activities, and work together to raise awareness and support for the endangered Art Deco architecture and design worldwide.

Currently, 26 countries are active in this branch. Tehran became a member of this group in 1401 AH under the management of Art Deco Tehran.

Art Deco World Site: https://www.icadsartdeco.org