Among the many innovations, improvements, and changes at the 2016 International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe, the establishment of the 1st Annual International Folk Art Alliance Awards is perhaps the most profound, as it recognizes life-long contributions and commitments to the creation and support of folk art.
The International Folk Art Alliance, and its signature program, International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe, will recognize the artists, supporters, organizations, and advocates that embody the mission of the International Folk Art Alliance, which celebrates and preserves living folk art traditions and creates economic opportunities for and with folk artists worldwide. All award recipients will be celebrated at the One World Awards Dinner, Saturday, July 9, 2016 at La Fonda on the Plaza. Honorary Chair of the International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe, Ambassador Melanne Verveer, will preside.
A tireless advocate for women and girls’ empowerment, Ambassador Verveer, is the Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. She recently served as the first United States Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues, a position to which she was nominated by President Obama in 2009. From 2000-2008, she was the Chair and Co-CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, an international NGO that she co-founded to invest in emerging women leaders, including artisan entrepreneurs around the globe. Verveer is also the co-author of Fast Forward: How Women are Using their Power for Purpose.
More information on IFAA and the inaugural awards can be found at 172.97.101.154/awards
Living Traditions Award
To honor artists who are an extraordinary example of the IFAA mission by contributing to the preservation of their culture through reviving and strengthening a traditional folk art with a strategy for passing on the tradition to future generations.
Recipient
: (Mexico): La Flor de Xochistlahuaca is a women’s cooperative with 28 members focused on rescuing and preserving the art form of back-strap weaving with an emphasis in passing the tradition on to future generations.
Community Impact Award
To honor artists who are an extraordinary example of the IFAA mission by positively impacting social change in their community.
Recipient: ROOTS Project South Sudan. A non-profit organization focusing on female empowerment. They aim to break the cycle of violence, poverty, and insecurity, creating a better future.
Friend of the Market Award
To honor outstanding leadership and partnership in fulfilling the mission and vision of the International Folk Art Alliance
Recipient: Senator Tom Udall and Jill Cooper Udall
Global Enterprise and Impact Award
To honor outstanding leadership by an organization in strengthening and expanding opportunities for folk artists
Recipient: Dallas Market Center
Heart of the Market Award
To honor outstanding philanthropic leadership that embodies the values of the
International Folk Art Alliance.
Recipient: Nance and Ramón José López
