The principal activities of the organization include the sponsorship of conferences and publications. Panel themes range from general topics, such as visions and philosophy in foundations education, to specific issues, like multiculturalism in foundations curriculum, to technical topics, such as the use of computers in foundations design. These conferences, each attended by over 200 members, provided participants with in-depth discussions and exchanges. The next FATE national conference is scheduled for March 21-24 of 2001 in Boston, Massachusetts, hosted by Massachusetts College of Art. Members are encouraged to participate by working on the various committees and serving as panel chairs, as well as submitting proposals for presentation.
FATE publishes a newsletter and a journal.
The newsletter contains current information, such as calls for papers, announcements and reports on FATE-related conferences, membership notices, and news of other activities of the organization. The journal, FATE in Review, is comprised of articles on art core practicum and critical studies and is published once a year. There is also a supporting institution membership. One individual is to be designated by the institution as its representative. Supporting institution members will be acknowledged in all FATE publications.