sfim Visitor faq

  • The Santa Fe Indian Market is an annual event showcasing Native American art, culture, and heritage. It features works from Native artists across North America.

  • The event is held on the third week of every August in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Specific dates can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the current year's schedule.

  • Yes, the market includes a variety of activities such as live performances, fashion shows, cultural demonstrations, and opportunities to meet the artists.

  • Absolutely! The Santa Fe Indian Market is a family-friendly event with activities and exhibits that are enjoyable and enriching for all ages.

  • Yes, visitors have the unique opportunity to purchase art directly from the artists, allowing for personal connections and understanding of the artwork's cultural significance.

  • The market features a wide range of art forms including pottery, jewelry, textiles, paintings, sculptures, and more, all created by Native American artists.

  • Check out our Altitude Tips from the SWAIA Team to help you prepare for your visit.


    Please Note: This information is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personal recommendations. Always call 911 in case of a medical emergency.

  • Please visit our Media Contact page for more information.

  • Applications have closed for 2025, please check back for 2026 application period announcements.

  • The application period for the SFIM25 runway closed April 11th, 2025.

    Designers interested in participating in future fashion events can view our official application form.

    The application process     includes submitting previous work, design concepts, and information about your cultural and artistic background.

  • Consider becoming a member or making a donation.

MEMBERSHIP FAQs

  • Anyone passionate about Native American art, culture, and supporting artists is welcome to join. Whether you're a collector, enthusiast, or advocate, your membership helps ensure the continued success of SWAIA’s initiatives.

  • Membership provides early access to ticket sales and priority seating options for select events. However, it does not guarantee entry unless a ticket is purchased or reserved for events that require one.

  • Your membership directly funds our year-round initiatives designed to support Native American artists. SWAIA Memberships help provide opportunities for Native artists to showcase their work on global stages, preserving the future of Native American art.

  • At this time, membership upgrades are not available. If you’d like to increase your level of support, we encourage you to consider making an additional donation to SWAIA or renewing at a higher membership level during your next renewal period.

  • We’re happy to help! Contact us at membership@swaia.org or call 505-983-5220 for assistance.

ARTIST FAQs

  • SFIM will be held on August 16-17, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Santa Fe Indian Market opens at 8am and closes at 5pm on both days. Please respect these permitted times.

  • Receiving and Judging will be held at the Santa Fe Convention Center on the corner of Marcy and Grant. For sculptures and large 2D art (Painting/Drawing, etc.) please use the loading dock. For all other classifications, please use the regular entrance. Receiving will take place on Wednesday, August 13th, 2025, from 9am – 5:00pm, please come early. Judging will take place on Thursday and will not be open to artists or the public. The SWAIA awards program recognizes and rewards artistic excellence and technical expertise. The awards program and amounts of monetary awards may differ from one Market event to the next and cash awards are not guaranteed.

  • Each artist is allowed three (3) entries total. If an artist is accepted into several classifications, they still may only submit three total pieces. If you are collaborating with another artist(s) you still may only enter three pieces total, even if one or more are collaboration pieces.

  • No, we are not accepting mail-in entries for judging at this time.

  • Art pickup will take place on Friday, August 15th from 6:30pm - 9pm for all artwork except the winners of Best of Class and Best of Show. Please be mindful that we have a limited staff and many artworks to process, so we kindly request that you make every effort to pick up your artwork during this designated time. If you are unable to do so, late pickup will be available on Saturday, August 16th from 6am – 7am, please note that a $50 fee will be incurred. This fee must be paid via cash or card on-site during late pickup.

  • All Artists will be given two tickets to the General Preview scheduled on Friday, August 15th from 4:30pm-6pm. Please pick up your tickets at the Artist Services table at either Art Receiving/Art Return/Artist Reception. Santa Fe Indian Market itself is free and open to the public, and the Previews are some of the few events we can use to fundraise for our organization.

  • We recommend that you bring business cards, brochures, and other promotional materials to distribute to visitors. You may also want to consider displaying signage and using small card processing systems to make card/tap transactions easier.

  • Santa Fe Indian Market is known for the highest level of Native art forms. Evaluators and monitors review booths, take photos, and even “Secret Shop” to ensure that no violations of the Indian Market Standards Manual occur. As members of our artist community, it is every artists’ responsibility to follow the standards and assist SWAIA with maintaining the integrity of Santa Fe Indian Market. During the market, you can visit the Artist Services booth on the plaza to report a violation.

  • Please reach out to your friends and collectors via personal phone call, postcard, etc. Our comprehensive Official Booth Guide also lists artists by Class and name. Your information will appear in both the hard copy artist directory if booth is paid for before the set deadline, and on the online directory found at swaia.org.

  • Some artists may sell-out of inventory or otherwise need to leave before Santa Fe Indian Market ends on Sunday. Please remember to turn in your booth card and formally check-out at the Artist Services tent on the plaza. To maintain the integrity of the jurying process for admitted artists, please do not sell or transfer their booth space if you sell out early.  NO VEHICLE ACCESS POSSIBLE UNTIL SUNDAY, AUGUST 17th at 5PM.

  • SWAIA provides a tent overhead plus your booth card. Small (5x10) booth have a hard plastic backwall, Large (10x10) Do Not.  SWAIA does not supply tables or chairs in the booths.  Please leave your booth in the condition you found it and remove your booth card upon leaving your booth at closing time.

  • Please keep your booth clean at all times and remember that litter is not allowed. Also, please always be courteous to your neighbor including impeding on their booth space.  Nothing can be outside of your booth. Thank you.

  • Only licensed service animals are allowed.  Service Dog Police will be on patrol.

  • We have a hard copy available at all events and at the Artist Services Booth in the middle of the plaza and an online Artist Directory found at directory.swaia.org.  Some artists use their social media to post their booth space.

  • Artist Services tent in the middle of the plaza during the market.  Artist Services table at all SWAIA events.

  • A few of the downtown Public Restrooms are listed below:

    1)  100 E. Water Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501  
    GPS Coordinates: Lat 35.686207 , Long -105.938979


    2) 60 E. San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
    GPS Coordinates: Lat 35.686498 , Long -105.93929


    3) 123 E. Water Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
    GPS Coordinates: Lat 35.686573 , Long -105.939016


    4) 201 W. Marcy Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
    GPS Coordinates: Lat 35.690015 , Long -105.939821

  • SFIM is the worlds finest Juried Indian art show. Applications are accepted in December through February.  Applicants who are: enrolled in a federally recognized tribe, band or affiliation and have documentation, have a NM GRT# and create art with 70% or more by hand are invited to apply.  More info on the Artist Services tab at swaia.org is available.

  • All information is available at swaia.org

  • 2025 Winter Market November 29th/November 30th, 2025

    Application Window December 13, 2024, to February 14, 2025

    2025 SWAIA Native Fashion Week May 7 to May 11, 2025

    2025 Santa Fe Indian Market (SFIM) August 16 and 17, 2025

  • Please add communications@swaia.org and artistservices@swaia.org to your contacts and safe senders list. 

    Here’s how to add emails to your safe senders list across different email providers:

    Gmail:

    1. Go to Gmail account

    2. Click gear icon → Settings

    3. Click Filters and Blocked Addresses tab

    4. Click Create a New Filter

    5. Enter email address/domain in From field

    6. Click Create Filter

    7. Check “Never send it to Spam”

    8. Click Create Filter again

    Outlook:

    1. Open Safe Senders settings

    2. Under “Safe senders and domains”, enter email/domain and click Add

    3. For mailing lists, enter under “Safe mailing lists” and click Add

    4. Click Save

    Yahoo Mail (Mobile App):

    1. Open Yahoo Mail mobile app

    2. Click Inbox folder icon in bottom left

    3. Choose Spam from options

    4. Find and select email from sender to whitelist

    5. Click Move and select Inbox

    AOL:

    1. Log in to AOL Mail

    2. Click Options → Mail Settings

    3. Go to Spam Settings tab

    4. Click “Allow mail from addresses I specify”

    5. Enter the email address

    6. Click Save Settings

FASHION faq

  • 1. What is a SWAIA Native Fashion Show?
    Our fashion shows are events that showcase the work of Native designers from across Canada and the United States with the goal of representing Indigenous designers globally. Highlighting their unique cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary fashion innovations. They provide a platform for Indigenous creators to present their collections to a broader audience, celebrating their contributions to the fashion industry. 

    2. Who can attend the fashion shows?
    Shows are open to the public, including fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, cultural scholars, and anyone interested in supporting and learning about Indigenous fashion arts. Tickets may be required for entry, and specific details will be provided for each event. 

    3. How can I purchase tickets for SWAIA Native Fashion events?
    Tickets can typically be purchased on affiliated ticketing platforms. Information pertaining to ticket sales, pricing, and availability will be announced in advance of the show on our website and social media platforms. 

    4. Are the designs featured in SWAIA Native Fashion shows available for purchase?
    Many of the designs showcased in our shows are available for purchase either directly through the designers or via partnering retailers and online platforms. During SWAIA Native Fashion Week, many designers have on-site pop-ups where off-the-runway designs can be purchased.

    5. How are the designers selected for the shows?
    Designers are selected through a curated process that considers their cultural background, artistic vision, craftsmanship, and contributions to the fashion industry. Our team carefully reviews and selects the participants. 

    6. What makes Native/Indigenous fashion unique?
    Indigenous fashion is unique in its integration of traditional techniques, materials, and cultural narratives with contemporary design. It reflects the rich heritage and diverse identities of Indigenous peoples, bringing forward stories and aesthetics that are deeply rooted in their communities. 

    7. Are there opportunities for non-Indigenous people to support or collaborate? Yes, non-Indigenous individuals can support Indigenous fashion through respectful collaboration, sponsorship, and by attending shows and purchasing designs. We also welcome models of all ethnicities! It is important to approach such collaborations with cultural sensitivity and respect for Indigenous knowledge and traditions. 

    8. How do SWAIA Native fashion shows benefit the community? Our Indigenous fashion shows benefit the community by providing visibility and economic opportunities for Indigenous designers, preserving and promoting cultural heritage, and fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous art forms. These events also encourage youth participation and inspire future generations of designers. 

    9. Where can I learn more about SWAIA Native Fashion and upcoming events? To learn more about SWAIA Native Fashion and upcoming events, follow @swaianativefashion on Instagram, and by subscribing to the Native Runway Report.

  • Designers interested in participating in future fashion events can apply through our official application form.

    The application process includes submitting previous work, design concepts, and information about your cultural and artistic background. 

  • Models interested in participating in future SWAIA fashion events can apply through our official application form.

    We welcome models of all ethnicities! It is important to approach such collaborations with cultural sensitivity and respect for Indigenous knowledge and traditions.

  • Please visit our Media Inquiries page for more details, including how to request press credentials.