SWAIA: Southwestern Association for Indian Arts

"The wind that gave our grandfathers his first breath also receives his last sigh and the wind must also give our children the spirit of life."

-Chief Seattle, Dwamish

Youth Indian Market was first created in 1993 to provide an opportunity for American Indian children to exhibit and sell their own art work at the prestigious, world-renown Santa Fe Indian Market. Children 17 years and younger of American Indian descent and whose parents are not participants of the overall Indian Market are eligible to apply for Youth Indian Market.

How did Youth Indian Market begin?

In 1993, a concerned parent approached SWAIA requesting an opportunity to allow her son to exhibit and sell his art work. Youth artists were (and still are) allowed to sell their art work in their parent's booth if the parent is accepted into Indian Market. However, the mother was not an artist herself and asked that SWAIA create a designated area and/or program to allow young artists to be a part of the overall market.

Thus, Youth Indian Market was born and has been in existence for the past 10 years. It is now an essential part of the overall annual market and has grown over the years. Artists who participate in Youth Market can also enter their art work into the SWAIA's Award Competition and compete for prize monies and ribbons. A $500 prize is awarded to the best of Youth Classification each year.

Through the Years

Adam "Deer Mountain" Ortega from Santa Clara Pueblo started his art career in Santa Fe Indian Market. He is now 20 years old and attends the University of New Mexico. After he turned 18 years old he continued to participate in Indian Market.

Youth Fellowship Program

For the first time in the history of the SWAIA, Youth Fellowships were awarded to three young artists in 2003. Native American children, 17 years and younger who participate in Youth Indian Market or children who sell in their parents booths during Indian Market are eligible to apply.

Fellowships range from $250-500 per artist (dependent upon funding) and are awarded based on artistic creativity and goals. The winners of the Youth Fellowship Awards may use the money to buy supplies, take classes or for any other opportunity pertaining to their art work.

To Apply

To apply for Youth Indian Market: Artists need to fill out the Youth Application only and send in slides, digital images (jpgs only) or photos (all submitted images must be the same format) and a CIB.
To apply for Youth Fellowships: Artists must fill out theYouth Application and the Youth Fellowship form and send in slides, digital images (jpgs only) or photos (all submitted images must be the same format) and a CIB.

You can download the application for both the SWAIA Youth Fellowship and Youth Indian Market programs here:

Download the 2008 Youth Indian Market Application (208K)
Download the 2008 Youth Fellowship Application (60K)

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