The largest international folk art market in the world, the annual Santa Fe International Folk Art Market on Museum Hill in Santa Fe, connects international cultures as established traditional artists from across the globe come together to display, demonstrate, and sell their work.

With annual attendance of over 20,000, it is one of the highlights of the summer season in Santa Fe, known for its vibrant Indian and Spanish markets. Designated one of UNESCO's Creative Cities in 2005, the only North American city to be so honored, Santa Fe provides a uniquely supportive and beautiful setting for this meeting of artists, dealers, collectors and folk art enthusiasts.

The market features over 150 artists from 41 countries selected by a panel of expert jurors. Including craftspeople from Hungary, South Sudan, Uganda, and Vanuatu. Many popular artists will be returning, such as basket weavers from Rwanda, bead workers from Haiti, embroidery artists from India, potters from France, and jewelers from Niger. The Market’s selection committee, comprised of experts, including representatives from leading international museums and universities, carefully vets the work for quality and traditionalism.

To tie into the Market, Santa Fe celebrates Folk Arts Week with festivities including an international film festival at the Center for Contemporary Arts and public events at both the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art.  Many market artists also arrive the week before to participate in business development workshops that give them important skills to compete in the global marketplace.

The rich Hispanic culture of New Mexico is celebrated at the Traditional Spanish Market, every July on the Santa Fe Plaza. A popular event for residents and visitors alike, Spanish Market features handmade traditional art from over 350 local Hispanic artists, as well as on-going live music and dance, art demonstrations, and regional foods throughout each day.

This famous Market is the oldest and largest juried Spanish Market in the United States and attracts over 70,000 visitors and collectors from throughout the world.  Each July, the Market showcases 350 Hispanic artists who not only exhibit and sell their art, but also are also very happy to share their culture with visitors.  All the festivities are focused on and around the Santa Fe Plaza, which is surrounded by history-filled museums, shops and restaurants. 

This year’s Market will be the culmination of a weeklong celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture that includes traditional art, food, exciting music and dance, and much more to entertain you.  Come meet the artists and their families as they share the experience of their living Hispanic heritage, as it has existed in New Mexico for more than 400 years.

The Spanish Colonial Arts Society also offers the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, which preserves and promotes the Spanish colonial arts and the traditional Hispanic arts of New Mexico through art exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, and lectures. The collection includes Spanish colonial art forms spanning four centuries and four continents, and the more than 3,700 art objects are housed at the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, 750 Camino Lejo (Museum Hill) in Santa Fe.

Santa Fe Plaza plays host to the most prestigious Native American arts show in the world - the annual Santa Fe Indian Market is a week of exciting events - every August culminating with the market on Saturday and Sunday. This one-of-a-kind event provides a unique opportunity to buy directly from Native American artists from across North America.

“Santa Fe Indian Market gives New Mexicans and their visitors a genuine cultural experience,” said Monique Jacobson, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department, “and is an integral part of life in the Land of Enchantment. I encourage everyone to experience its wonder and enjoy the beauty of the arts created by this state’s premier residents. The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is to be commended for its continued sponsorship.”

The Santa Fe Indian Market has long been the place where Native American art meets the world. Join thousands of collectors, artists, volunteers and visitors who return from across the United States and the world to join in the festivities that celebrate American Indian culture and artistry.

Nearly 1,200 artists will be presenting their newest and best work for sale and admiration. Experience the best of Native culture by seeing the clothing contest, tasting fry bread and other Native foods provided by our vendors, and visiting the youth participants throughout the Market.

The outdoor market provides a unique place to meet and buy directly from the nation’s top Native American artists, including youth, who represent nearly 100 tribes. Demonstrations by Native American groups and artists allow visitors a chance to learn more about different tribal and artistic traditions. A book booth sells educational and informative books with signings by Native authors, and American Indian food vendors offer delicious Native food choices for visitors.