International Folk Art Market Marks 15 Years In Santa Fe

July 13, 2018

July 13, 2018 – This year marks the 15^th anniversary of the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. Launched in 2004, it has brought around 1,000 master folk artists from 98 countries to Santa Fe and those artisans have generated $28 million in sales, most of which has gone back home to their communities, funding everything from schools to hospitals to community centers. Since its first year, the Market has attracted 233,000 visitors and had an overall economic impact of $142 million dollars. Through mentoring, business workshops and connections to international buyers and markets, the Market has helped preserve and revive traditional arts in danger of dying out by helping artisans make a sustainable living that allows them to continue creating and innovating. Many of the cooperatives and artisan organizations who attend the market have helped women with few options achieve economic independence and support their families.

Guests:

Jeff Snell, CEO, Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

Porfirio Gutierrez, Zapotec weaver from Mexico

Chantha Nguon, Stung Treng Women’s Development Center/Mekong Blue from Cambodia

Additional reading:

International Folk Art Market Artists Use Craft To Overcome Genocide – KUNM

In Mexico, Weavers Embrace Natural Alternatives To Toxic Dyes – New York Times

Weaving Lives Of Silk And Freedom – Freedom’s Promise

Silk Scarves Combat Sex Trade – NPR

Porfirio Gutierrez – website

Porfirio Gutierrez, Zapotec, To Share His Smithsonian Research With His Oaxacan Community – First American Art

Mekong Blue – website for Chantha Nguon’s organization