The World’s Largest Native American Art Market

Santa Fe

Indian MARKET

Event Information

  • Santa Fe Indian Market (SFIM) is the largest and most prestigious Indigenous art market in the world. Presented by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), #SFIM26 will take place August 15th-16th in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico.

    Now in its 103rd year, SFIM brings together over 1,000 Native artists representing more than 200 Tribal Nations from across the U.S. and Canada. Experience a dynamic weekend of fine art, fashion, film, performances, and community celebration, all grounded in tradition and culture.

    Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned collector, SFIM offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect directly with Native artists and purchase work that is handmade, authentic, and deeply meaningful.

  • Here’s what to know as you plan your SFIM experience:

    Location: Historic Downtown Santa Fe Plaza
    Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
    Admission: Free and open to the public for the outdoor market

    Additional Programming:
    SWAIA offers a range of ticketed events throughout Indian Market weekend, including Best of Show, the SWAIA Native Fashion Show, the SWAIA Gala, and more. Advance purchase is recommended.

    Parking & Transit: Public parking garages are available within walking distance. Consider using a shuttle provided by your hotel or local ride share services due to potential road closures and limited street access.

    Insider Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and meet artists before inventory sells out. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are highly recommended for a full day on the Plaza.

  • Explore our 2025 Artist Directory to preview the work of this year’s exhibitors.

    From textiles and jewelry to sculptures and paintings, the Directory highlights participating artists across all categories and includes booth numbers, bios, and images of their work.

  • Coming Soon!

The 104th Annual

SANTA FE INDIAN MARKET

Now in its 104th year, the Santa Fe Indian Market (SFIM) is the largest and most prestigious Native art market in the world. Each August, more than 1,000 Native artists from over 200 Tribal Nations transform the streets of Santa Fe into a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and culture.

Visitors can explore original works in a wide range of mediums—jewelry, pottery, textiles, painting, sculpture, and more—while meeting the artists who make them. SFIM also features live performances, food vendors, cultural demonstrations, and family programming.

The art market is free and open to the public.

2026 SANTA FE INDIAN MARKET SPONSORS & PARTNERS

COMING SOON

Windswept by Regina Free (Chickasaw Nation), 2025 Best of Show Winner

SWAIA Is where the world meets tHE Top Native artists.

Each year, Santa Fe Indian Market brings together more than 1,000 of the most celebrated and emerging Indigenous artists from over 200 Tribal Nations. Held each August in downtown Santa Fe and produced by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), Indian Market is the largest and most prestigious Indigenous art event in the world—welcoming tens of thousands of visitors for a weekend of fine art, fashion, film, and cultural exchange.

A cornerstone of the weekend is the Best of Show program, which honors outstanding achievement in juried categories ranging from pottery and jewelry to textiles, painting, and sculpture.

The top prize—Best of Show—is proudly sponsored by Mark Sublette of Medicine Man Gallery.

A brief History of the SANTA FE INDIAN MARKET

The story of Santa Fe Indian Market traces back to a larger cultural movement to introduce Native art to broader audiences. At the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego (commonly known as the San Diego World’s Fair), Pueblo potters like Maria and Julian Martinez participated in high-profile demonstrations that modeled what would become early institutional approaches to Indigenous art presentation—structured, curated environments designed by anthropologists and cultural organizations.

In 1922, the Museum of New Mexico and the School of American Research (now the School for Advanced Research) organized the first Southwest Indian Art Fair and Industrial Arts and Crafts Exposition in Santa Fe. These early fairs helped elevate public interest in Native arts, but artists had limited control. Work was submitted by traders, judged by non-Native experts, and sold without direct artist involvement. Pricing and interpretation were handled externally, with Native artists themselves largely absent from the conversation.

That changed in 1931, when the final Indian Fair was held under the portal of the Palace of the Governors. For the first time, Native artists were invited to sell their work directly to the public—marking a pivotal shift toward artist agency. This moment predated the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) of 1934, a landmark federal policy that supported tribal self-governance and greater economic self-determination, including the right to form tribal businesses and manage creative production. While the IRA laid important legal groundwork, Indian Market had already modeled what a Native artist-led marketplace could look like—visionary in both concept and execution.

The legacy of those early decades continues today. What began as a curated exhibition has become a dynamic, artist-centered marketplace that positions Native artists not as subjects of interpretation, but as leaders, entrepreneurs, and cultural innovators.


Indian Market continues to lead—not just as a historic institution, but as a living model for the future of the fine art world.

faq

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Check out our FAQ Page or Contact Us

  • The Santa Fe Indian Market is an annual event showcasing Native American art, culture, and heritage. It features works from Native artists across North America.

  • The event is held on the third week of every August in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Specific dates can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the current year's schedule.

  • Yes, the market includes a variety of activities such as live performances, fashion shows, cultural demonstrations, and opportunities to meet the artists.

  • Absolutely! The Santa Fe Indian Market is a family-friendly event with activities and exhibits that are enjoyable and enriching for all ages.

  • Yes, visitors have the unique opportunity to purchase art directly from the artists, allowing for personal connections and understanding of the artwork's cultural significance.

  • The market features a wide range of art forms including pottery, jewelry, textiles, paintings, sculptures, and more, all created by Native American artists.

  • Check out our Altitude Tips from the SWAIA Team to help you prepare for your visit.


    Please Note: This information is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personal recommendations. Always call 911 in case of a medical emergency.

  • Please visit our Media Contact page for more information.

  • Applications have closed for 2025, please check back for 2026 application period announcements.

  • The application period for the SFIM25 runway closed April 11th, 2025.

    Designers interested in participating in future fashion events can view our official application form.

    The application process     includes submitting previous work, design concepts, and information about your cultural and artistic background.

  • Consider becoming a member or making a donation.