
The World’s Largest Native American Art Market
Santa Fe
Indian MARKET
Event Information
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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), #SFIM25 will take place August 16–17 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.
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Here’s what to know as you plan your SFIM experience:
Dates: August 16–17, 2025
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 marketAdditional Programming:
SWAIA offers a range of ticketed events throughout Indian Market weekend, including Best of Show, fashion shows, the SWAIA Gala, and more. Advance registration is recommended.Parking & Transit: Public parking garages are available within walking distance. Consider using the free shuttles or local rideshare 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.
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Explore our 2025 Artist Directory to preview the work of this year’s exhibitors.
From textiles and jewelry to sculpture and painting, the Directory highlights participating artists across all categories and includes booth numbers, bios, and images of their work.2025 UPDATE COMING SOON
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Stay up to date with the latest announcements, award winners, and official Market updates.
COMING SOON
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We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our 2025 Sponsors, who make this event possible.
Title Sponsor: Van Mabee
More sponsors will be listed soon
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Visit our Sponsorship page and check out our SFIM 2025 Sponsorship Information.
The 103rd Annual
SANTA FE INDIAN MARKET
Now in its 103rd 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.
Details
Saturday & Sunday, August 16–17, 2025
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Downtown Santa Fe Plaza
The art market is free and open to the public.
Tickets for associated SWAIA events (fashion shows, gala, screenings) can be purchased separately below!
2025 Ticketed Events
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BEST OF SHOW CEREMONY & LUNCHEON
Description
SWAIA’s Best of Show Ceremony is one of the most anticipated events kicking-off Indian Market weekend. Artists across all juried categories are recognized for artistic excellence, with the highest honor—Best of Show—awarded to a single outstanding work.This midday gathering features remarks from SWAIA leadership and award-winning artists, a vibrant press atmosphere, and a celebratory luncheon.
Details
Friday, August 15, 2025
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W Marcy St -
MEMBERS-ONLY SNEAK PEEK
Description
Immediately following the Best of Show Luncheon, SWAIA Members are invited to an exclusive first look at the award-winning works of Santa Fe Indian Market 2025. This private viewing is a benefit of membership—offering early access, quiet space for conversation, and the opportunity to experience the juried art without the crowds.Details
Friday, August 15, 2025
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W Marcy St, Santa Fe, NM -
BEST OF SHOW GENERAL PREVIEW
Description
The Best of Show General Preview invites the public to experience the highest caliber of Native art before the official Market opens. Featuring Best of Show, Best of Classification, and special award winners across all juried categories, this is an inspiring showcase of artistic excellence and innovation.Details
Friday, August 15, 2025
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W Marcy St, Santa Fe, NM -
THE SWAIA GALA
Description
Held during the height of Santa Fe Indian Market weekend, SWAIA's annual gala brings together artists, collectors, and supporters for a night honoring generational Native excellence. The evening includes a courtyard cocktail hour and silent auction, a seated dinner with live auction, and a runway fashion show showcasing the next wave of Native design.Proceeds directly support SWAIA’s mission to uplift and invest in Native artists through year-round programming, advocacy, and opportunities for visibility.
Details
Saturday, August 16, 2025
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W Marcy St.
Press Inquiries -
2025 SUNDAY SWAIA Native Fashion Show
Description
Celebrating Native talent at the intersection of fashion art and design. The Santa Fe Indian Market Native Fashion Show is a stunning finale to the weekend’s festivities.Expect bold silhouettes, contemporary storytelling, and unapologetic expression as models walk the runway in works that blend tradition and innovation. This show offers a glimpse into the future of fashion—led by Native visionaries.
Details
Sunday, August 17, 2025
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy St.
Press Inquiries
Pueblo Revolt Ensemble by Dan Vallo (Acoma Pueblo), 2024 Best of Show Winner
Booth: PAL N 261
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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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.
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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.
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Yes, the market includes a variety of activities such as live performances, fashion shows, cultural demonstrations, and opportunities to meet the artists.
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Absolutely! The Santa Fe Indian Market is a family-friendly event with activities and exhibits that are enjoyable and enriching for all ages.
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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.
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The market features a wide range of art forms including pottery, jewelry, textiles, paintings, sculptures, and more, all created by Native American artists.
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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.
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Applications have closed for 2025, please check back for 2026 application period announcements.
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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.