The Institute of African Art and Culture (IAAC) received its non-profit status in the State of California, May 1981. Its 'federal tax exemption status was received on November 25, 1988.

IAAC's mission is to use art to improve international and interracial understanding. IAAC provides a forum for African artists and artists of various cultures, skills and interests to work together in the same environment and share one another's culture and creative perspectives.

These cooperative artistic endeavors will promote understanding, harmony, and help dispel negative stereotypes - not only among the artists, but throughout the entire world as a critical mass of people become exposed to the visual and performance art enabled by IAAC's collaborative approach to artistic expression.