#United States #Santa Fe #SWAIA #Santa Fe Indian Market #Native American artists

The 104th Annual Santa Fe Indian Market: A Celebration of Native Arts

The historic Santa Fe Plaza is set to come alive this August as it hosts the 104th Santa Fe Indian Market, the longest-running and most prestigious Native American art market in the world. From August 15 to 16, nearly 1,000 talented Native American artists will gather to showcase their incredible work, representing over 200 Tribal nations from both the United States and Canada. This year's theme, Empowered Resilience—Centuries in the Making, highlights the rich traditions and innovative expressions of artistic excellence that contemporary Native artists are bringing to the forefront of the art world.

A Week of Events Leading Up to the Market

As anticipation builds for the market weekend, several events will take place beforehand to engage attendees and showcase the talents of Native artists. Notably, the Best of Show Ceremony Luncheon will occur on August 14 at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, allowing guests to mingle with award-winning artists and enjoy a delicious meal. This exclusive event honors the year’s finest artists based on their submissions.

In addition, there will be a Sneak Peek and General Previews event, offering guests an initial look at the spectacular artwork that will be on display during the market. Attendees can partake in various events throughout the week leading up to the main event, ensuring a comprehensive experience.

The second evening, August 15, will host SWAIA's renowned Gala and Live Auction, starting at 5 pm. The gala attracts a mix of artists, collectors, and supporters to celebrate Native excellence through a dynamic evening of social connection heightened by a silent and live auction, a seated dinner, and a fashion show featuring Native designers. Proceeds from the gala are allocated to SWAIA's initiatives, which focus on uplifting and investing in Native arts through year-round programming.

The weekend closes with the highly popular SWIA Native Fashion Show on August 16 at 3 pm, where established and emerging Native designers will showcase their latest creations, marking an essential aspect of the Santa Fe Indian Market.

Detailed Schedule of Events

August 13 (Thursday)

• - Get Indigenous Film Festival Opening Night Party (Invitation Only)

- An exclusive evening featuring a screening of unreleased films followed by a Q&A and a reception celebrating artists and filmmakers.

August 14 (Friday)

• - Best of Show Ceremony Luncheon (Ticketed) — 11:30 am to 2 pm.
• - Sacred Sites Roundtable Discussion (Tickets on sale soon) — 1 pm to 2:30 pm.
• - Best of Show Sneak Peek (Ticketed) — 2 pm to 4 pm.
• - GIFF Featured Documentary Screening (Free with Ticket) — 3 pm to 5:30 pm.
• - Best of Show General Preview (Ticketed) — 4:30 pm to 6 pm.
• - Tribal Leaders Dinner (Invitation Only)
• - GIFF Feature Film (Tickets on sale soon) — 6 pm to 8 pm.

August 15 (Saturday)

• - 104th Santa Fe Indian Market (Day 1) — 8 am to 5 pm.
• - GIFF IAIA Brunch Filmmakers Panel (Tickets on sale soon) — 11 am to 1 pm.
• - Santa Fe Indian Market Gala & Live Auction (Ticketed) — 5 pm to 9 pm.

August 16 (Sunday)

• - 104th Santa Fe Indian Market (Day 2) — 8 am to 5 pm.
• - SWAIA Native American Regalia Showcase — 9 am to 11 am.
• - SWAIA VIP Fashion Show Pre-Party (Included in 1st and 2nd Row Fashion Show Ticket) — 1:30 pm to 3 pm.
• - SWAIA Native Fashion Show (Ticketed) — 3 pm to 4 pm.

This year’s market promises to be a unique blend of celebration, education, and appreciation of Native arts. The Santa Fe Indian Market not only supports Indigenous artists but also fosters a deeper understanding of the rich cultural narratives woven through their work. Attend this remarkable event and witness firsthand the incredible creativity and resilience of Native American communities!

About SWAIA

The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is a Native-led nonprofit organization that has been showcasing Native arts for decades. Founded in 1922, their mission focuses on promoting and providing opportunities for Native artists year-round through events like the Santa Fe Indian Market.