The IFAM Mission
The mission of the International Folk Art Market is to create economic opportunities for and with folk artists worldwide who celebrate and preserve folk art traditions.
The International Folk Art Market envisions a world that values the dignity and humanity of the handmade, honors timeless cultural traditions, and supports the work of artisans serving as entrepreneurs and catalysts for positive social change.
Embracing cultures and creating worldwide connections!
A World of Folk Art
Each of our artists has a story to tell about craft tradition. They support families and villages, and uphold cultural practices. Together, we help them share their stories.
Support the International Folk Art Market
Donations help sustain the non-profit, support community events, fund first-time artists, and create our annual folk art markets in Santa Fe.
Volunteer Time, Make Lifelong Friendships
Over 1,000 dedicated volunteers help create our artist markets every year, volunteering over 40,000 hours of work.
Sponsor a First-Time Market Artist
Support an artist’s engagement in the twentieth annual International Folk Art Market. Your support gives these artists confidence in the journey ahead.
Discover IFAM Artists and their Incredible Stories
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![Picture of Anitha N - Siddi Kavand]()
Anitha N - Siddi Kavand
Anitha N embarked on a journey to Analesara village in the Western Ghats in 2004 where the Siddi kavands first captured her attention. Noting the fading legacy of this age-old practice, she collaborated with Siddi women to preserve their tradition and create income opportunities by introducing their quilts to urban markets.
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Kamoru Kayode Agbelekale
Nestled in the heart of Osogbo, Nigeria, an artistry spanning nine generations unfolds. Kamoru Kayode Agbelekale, a master weaver, shares the enchanting tale of aso oke—a handwoven fabric where each thread carries the weight of the Yoruba heritage.
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Tjanpi Desert Weavers
The Tjanpi Desert Weavers of Australia, led by artist Cynthia Burke, include the weaving styles of the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara, and Yankunytjatjara cultures from Australia’s Central Desert region. Using dry native grasses, wool, and raffia, these talented women create intricate fiber artworks that pay homage to the energies and rhythms of culture and community.
IFAM Community Programs
The International Folk Art Market is known for our annual Artists Market that takes place every July. We also offer a robust series of programs year-round for attendees and artists alike. These programs range from lectures, workshops, and international travel opportunities, to our Community Membership program, the annual International Folk Art Collection at Dallas Market Center, and our in-house media offerings.
Mentor to Market
Mentor to Market (M2M) provides business training and marketing workshops, hands-on skill building, peer-to-peer learning, and long-term support for folk artists to help them improve their livelihoods and participate more effectively in the global marketplace.
Passport to Folk Art Trips
Passport to Folk Art Trips are thoughtfully curated educational trips by individuals who have long standing relationships with the Market, IFAM artists, and their destination of choice.
Folk Art Matters Series
The International Folk Art Market provides in-person lectures, workshops, and pop-ups featuring traditional craft, culture, and artist communities year round in Santa Fe, NM.
Volunteer with the International Folk Art Market
”The market has opened my eyes to what creativity exists beyond our borders throughout the world and how important it is to continue to support these incredible artisans so their way of life, their traditions, and their regional crafts can continue to flourish. It’s a real joy to see what they are creating and how fine and detailed the work can often be. The variety of work done in specific regions of the world using local materials is astonishing and to have the opportunity to see such an amazing array of art brought together at a world bazaar in one place is really something epic.”
- IFAM 2022 Volunteer
