IFAM Programs
Together, We’re More Than a Market–We’re a Miracle
The Flagship International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe
Since 2004, the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has hosted thousands of master folk artists, cooperatives, social enterprises, and families from more than 100 countries in the world’s largest exhibition and sale of works by master folk artists. Artist earnings have exceeded $34 million and impacted more than one million lives in the communities they represent. The Market offers folk artists a respected spot in the global marketplace to gather together, share their handmade traditions, and create economic, social, and individual empowerment.
Passport to Folk Art Trips
IFAM 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. These immersive experiences are perfect for adventurous individuals who want to travel off the beaten path, meet master folk artists in their home countries, and participate in comprehensive workshops. Our Passport to Folk Art Trips provide an intimate opportunity to engage firsthand in cultural traditions, art, stories, and heritage alongside an expert travel guide and a group of like minded individuals.
Folk Art Connections
IFAM provides in-person lectures, workshops, and pop-ups year-round in Santa Fe, NM. Our pop-ups are free and open to the public; our workshops and lectures charge a nominal fee to cover materials and compensate the artists.
Folk Art Connections aims to bridge the market experience with up-close, personal, and hands-on educational events with the artists you know and love. With the help of generous supporters like you, dozens of participants can experience the deep cultural traditions that shape IFAM and inform the creation of folk art from around the world year-round. Thank you!
Mentor to Market
Mentor to Market develops leadership through training and workshops that equip artisans with the skills and tools they need to grow their businesses. Master folk artists from around the world usually participate in the esteemed Mentor to Market program in Santa Fe in the days preceding the annual July Market. The Mentor to Market Programs (M2M) provides business 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.
International Folk Art Market | Online
IFAM | Online advocates for artists by sharing their inspirational stories in print and film.
Our Book - In 2013, on the occasion of the Market’s 10th Anniversary year, IFAM published its first book, The Work of Art, written by local author Carmella Padilla. The Work of Art invites readers to understand and invest in the living legacy of folk art as a way to participate in the human story of the handmade––and to make a meaningful impact on lives worldwide. This lavishly-illustrated book examines the role of folk artists in the twenty-first century, recognizing their power as creative and socially responsible champions for global change, connection, and cultural sustainability.
Our Film - We also premiered our first documentary film, The Silkies of Madagascar, whose trailer won the prestigious Cine Golden Eagle Award. The film tells the story of how access to sustainable, global, fair-trade markets preserves an ancient tradition, empowers women, and changes the future for their children. We are currently entering the 22-min. film into film festivals around the country.
Upcoming Events
In addition to our annual market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the International Folk Art Market provides year-round programs, events, lectures, workshops, and pop-ups. The best way to stay in the loop about our events is to sign up for our weekly newsletter, the IFAM Weekender.