Going to SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market? Here's what you need to know

The Santa Fe Indian Market, now in its 103rd year, is the largest and longest-running art fair focused on contemporary Indigenous art. The SWAIA (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts) Santa Fe Indian Market, which lasts all day on Saturday, Aug. 16, and Sunday, Aug. 17, is free and open to the public. According to SWAIA’s executive director, Jamie Schulze (Northern Cheyenne, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate), what really sets Indian Market apart is its people-centered approach, which allows artists, collectors and community members to meet face to face. “Indian Market is an exceptional opportunity to come celebrate with community members, but also to be able to see the 1,000 artists that we’re showcasing this year and their fine art and creativity and storytelling,” Schulze said. “And visitors actually get to meet the artists, person to person, and hear their stories.” The SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market differs from most contemporary art fairs in that the artists themselves apply to the market, and they sell their own work, without galleries acting as intermediaries. In addition to providing a more enriching experience for visitors, Schulze said the market’s unique economic model is designed to support individual and tribal autonomy. “These artists get to sell for that weekend and set their own pricing. They are empowered to do their own business, and that empowers them around economic sovereignty,” Schulze said. “They not only have the choice to create art, but also to not have to necessarily move off reservation if they don’t choose to.” The sheer scope of the market may feel overwhelming to some first-time visitors. “I always say, bring your sunscreen and your patience, because it’s such a huge market,” Schulze said. “We shut down about 12 street blocks to seat all of these artists. Some of them will share booths. We have a lot of legacy artists with family members that have been in the market double-digit years with their family members. So, it is quite the community event,” Schulze said. “But it’s also a real opportunity, from my perspective, to highlight the cultural tourism that New Mexico offers to the world. You’re not only getting to visit with the actual artists here from the Southwest, but we represent over 250 different nations, so you’ll get to see every art form under that umbrella.” Schulze said approximately 70% of the artists come from the Southwest corridor, with the other 30% traveling from as far afield as Maine, Alaska and Canada. “It started in 1922 as an idea of cultural tourism based on the World’s Fair. Visitors paid to see art and artifacts, which included moccasins and blankets and pottery. From there, it evolved to highlight Southwestern pottery in the 1930s, then later to show some of the best of the best artwork in Indian Country,” Schulze said. “I would say in the last decade, it has really, truly been about contemporary fine art, showing that Native Americans don’t sit in a silo of curios or knick-knacks.” Schulze indicated that prior to the 21st century, Western art institutions, more often than not, presented Indigenous art as cultural artifacts or ethnographic crafts, not works of fine art. “That terminology reflected the (false) idea that we were not part of living, thriving cultures,” Schulze said. “Even when artists today use obviously old techniques, they’re using them in new and contemporary ways.” The interplay between traditional craft techniques and contemporary approaches is important for many Indigenous makers, whose work bridges past and present. And it’s reflected in SWAIA’s official categories. “We have 10 classifications, including 2D art, pottery, sculpture, beadwork, quillwork, jewelry and diverse arts,” Schulze said, “and all of them have a contemporary and a traditional component.” Artists are selected according to a competitive blind jurying process, with more artists applying every year. This year’s selection of over 1,000 artists was pared down from over 1,400 who applied. “We’re seeing the growth in different voices across all platforms, with artists wanting to root their stories in history but still be recognized as the fine artists they are,” Schulze said. The market attracts artists from different Indigenous communities every year, including some who have never previously exhibited at an international art fair. “We always have about 20% to 30% new emerging artists that come through, and we have a cohort who are coming in from Eastern Canada this year. They’ve never participated before, so we’re really excited to highlight their artwork,” Schulze said. All artists who participate in Indian Market are considered for over 230 awards, which are announced at the Best of Show Ceremony and Luncheon on Friday, Aug. 15. “One of our biggest events, beyond the market, is our award ceremony, which allows us to empower artists and highlight their voices beyond just the sales that happen that weekend,” Schulze said. “I don’t think all of our contributors and donors fully understand how important it is.” Winning a prestigious SWAIA award can jumpstart an artist’s career. “Last year’s Best of Show winner was Dan Vallo, who came in from Acoma (Pueblo) and did a collection honoring the Pueblo Revolt, which was just amazing,” Schulze said. “Dan wrote us a testimonial about how, because of that award, he was able to look at doing his craft full-time, and not just as a part-time expression of his creativity.” In addition to the art market and the award ceremony, SWAIA will present panel discussions with filmmakers and poets, a screening of short films on Friday, Aug. 15, a star-studded gala on Saturday, Aug. 16, and a SWAIA Native Fashion Show on Sunday, Aug. 17. There will also be food vendors, music, live performances, family programming and cultural demonstrations. “It’s truly a celebration,” Schulze said. “Tens of thousands of visitors come from all around the country and from around the world. And when you have this many diverse cultures coming together, it is truly profound.” Schulze acknowledged that federal funding cuts have been impacting arts and humanities nonprofits across the United States. In light of such financial uncertainty, private fundraising events like SWAIA’s annual gala take on an added importance. “Support for the arts and humanities is needed now more than ever,” Schulze said. Despite the political and economic headwinds, Schulze said SWAIA remains committed to uplifting diverse contemporary Indigenous voices. “I’m excited that we get to have this event, but I’m also aware that the diversity of our stories is being challenged,” Schulze said. “So, I want to say, conscientiously, our goal is always to elevate those voices. It’s absolutely needed.”

SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market returns Aug. 16 and Aug. 17

Carrying on a legacy