IFAM Programs
Together, We’re More Than a Market–We’re a Miracle
IFAM | Santa Fe
Since 2004, the International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe has hosted more than 1000 master folk artists from 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, to share their handmade traditions and create economic, social, and individual empowerment.
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.
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 Matters Series
IFAM provides in-person lectures, workshops, and pop-ups year round in Santa Fe, NM. These lectures and pop-ups are free and open to the public, our workshops charge a nominal fee to provide materials and compensate the artists. Folk Art Matters programming is a way to express our passion for this organization and invite audiences year-round to experience the deep cultural traditions that shape IFAM and inform the creation of folk art from around the world.
International Folk Art Market Collection: Dallas
IFAM Collection at the Dallas Market Center provides an opportunity for master folk artists to participate in a venue that puts them in direct contact with hundreds of buyers from all over the United States and beyond. Through these wholesale connections, artists can access year-round income and create a lasting economic impact in their communities.
The Dallas Market Collection is taking a pause in 2024 as we celebrate 20 years of IFAM | Santa Fe.
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 and our special collection in Dallas, Texas, 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.