Our Organization
The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market is a results-oriented entrepreneurial 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides a venue for master traditional artists to display, demonstrate and sell their work. By providing opportunities for folk artists to succeed in the global marketplace, the Market creates economic empowerment and improves the quality of life in communities where folk artists live.
It is now the largest international folk art market in the world, and its success led to Santa Fe’s designation as a UNESCO City of Folk Art, the first U.S. city named to UNESCO’s prestigious Creative Cities Network.
Our Vision
As a leading international folk art organization, we envision a world that celebrates and values evolving traditional art and cultures, where a dynamic global folk art market ensures a dignified, sustainable living for folk artists, who are essential to preserving cultural diversity.
Purpose and Mission
The mission of the Market is to foster economic and cultural sustainability for folk artists and folk art worldwide and to create intercultural exchange opportunities that unite the peoples of the world.
The Market fulfills its mission by providing opportunities for some of the world’s finest folk artists to participate in an annual festive, two-day event. The Market takes place on Museum Hill in Santa Fe, New Mexico adjoining our renowned partner, the Museum of International Folk Art. We implement programs that benefit international folk artists and the local community
Every July, more than 150 select folk artists from over 54 countries travel to historic Santa Fe where thousands of national and international visitors gather to admire and buy distinct folk art forms that express the world’s diverse cultures.
Sales at the Market directly benefit artists and their families and help sustain communities worldwide– participants take home 90% of all sales.
Visitors attending the Market enjoy ethnic foods, artists’ demonstrations, international performances, and educational activities all weekend long.
Impact
Many of the Market artists are from developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Central Asia, Eurasia, and the Middle East where they confront daunting political, social, and environmental conditions.
Some Market participants also include women’s cooperatives and humanitarian organizations whose work supports improving economic conditions and the quality of life for many- sometimes hundreds- of folk artists in their home communities.
The impact of the Market on the artists’ home communities is considerable. In many cases, artists use earnings for food, clothing, healthcare, education, and as an investment in their growing business enterprises.
Market Dates
Each year the Market is held on the second full weekend in July.
