The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts

Published by The Wolfsonian-FIU, The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts (DAPA) is a scholarly annual dedicated to exploring the role of art and design in the modern world. The Journal was founded in 1986 and published by The Wolfson Foundation of Decorative and Propaganda Arts until 2000, when it became part of The Wolfsonian-FIU. Fostering new scholarship on the period 1885-1945, The Journal parallels the themes of the Wolfsonian collection. The most recent issue explores the material, social, and cultural world of the large American hotel and tells the story of how they evolved into some of the world’s most significant and interesting buildings.

The Journal assumes no political stance but is interested in exploring the entirety of propaganda arts, defined as art in the service of an idea or an ideology. Propaganda subjects covered by The Journal have included world's fair posters, Works Progress Administration murals, Farm Security Administration photographs, book jackets, Italian political drawings, and German World War II stamps. Past themed issues have explored countries such as Cuba, Brazil, Yugoslavia, and Argentina, and have addressed themes including transportation, illustrated books, and metalwork.

The Journal's scholarly contribution has been widely recognized by museums, universities, and libraries throughout the world, and some of the most prestigious institutions are among its subscribers. The publication has won numerous awards for excellence.

To purchase current or back issues, contact the Wolfsonian museum shop at 305.535.2680 or e-mail museumshop@thewolf.fiu.edu. For information on institutional or trade purchases contact the journal's office at 305.535.2602, fax the journal's office at 305.531.2133, or e-mail dapa@thewolf.fiu.edu. Contact MIT Press, which is distributing current issue 25 along with issues 22-24, to find out what other bookstores carry the journal.

Issues 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 15 are currently out of print and available only as black and white photocopies for $25.

DAPA 25/2005: The American Hotel
DAPA 24/2002 Design Culture Identity: The Wolfsonian Collection
DAPA 23/1998 Florida Theme Issue
DAPA 22/1996 Cuba Theme Issue
DAPA 21/1995 Brazil Theme Issue
DAPA 20/1994 General Issue Issue
DAPA 19/1993 Swiss Theme Issue
DAPA 18/1992 Argentine Theme Issue
DAPA 17/ Fall 1990 Yugoslavian Theme Issue
DAPA 16/Summer 1990 General Issue
DAPA 15/Winter/Spring 1990 Transportation Theme Issue
DAPA14/Fall 1989 General Issue
DAPA13/Summer 1989 Stile Floreale Theme Issue
DAPA 12/Spring 1989 General Issue
DAPA 11/Winter 1989 Russian/Soviet Theme Issue II
DAPA 10/Fall 1988 General Issue
DAPA 9/Summer 1988 Metalwork Theme Issue
DAPA 8/Spring 1988 General Issue
DAPA 7/Winter 1988 Illustrated Book Theme Issue
DAPA 6/ Fall 1987 General Issue
DAPA 5/Summer 1987 Russian/Soviet Theme Issue
DAPA 4/Spring 1987 General Issue
DAPA 3/Winter 1987 Italian Theme Issue
DAPA 2/Summer/Fall 1986 General Issue
DAPA 1/Spring 1986 Inaugural Issue