Volunteer at IFAM Santa Fe and Join an Exceptional Global Community
Each July the International Folk Art Market transforms Museum Hill in Santa Fe, NM into a bustling one-of-a-kind art market. Since 2004 we have hosted more than 1000 master folk artists from over 100 countries in the world’s largest exhibition and sale of works by folk artists. Artist earnings have exceeded $30 million and impacted more than one million lives in the communities they represent. The success of the International Folk Art Market is not possible without the thousands of Volunteers who have joined us over the years.
Volunteer Registration for the 2023 Market will open up to the public in early spring 2023, at that point you will be able to sign up for specific teams and shifts related to the 2023 IFAM. As a reminder, returning volunteers are able to register before new volunteers, giving them an opportunity to select their desired volunteer opportunities before the general public.
In the meantime, you are invited to register as a Volunteer with IFAM year round. When we aren’t planning and putting together the Market, we offer artist pop-ups, lectures, and special events at IFAM Center and in partnership with other community organizations. We also team up with local organizations to provide volunteer opportunities throughout the Santa Fe community. If you’re interested in volunteering with us year-round, please fill out the following application and we will be in touch.
Volunteering with us year-round is an excellent way to stay informed about what IFAM is up to, connect with the Santa Fe community, and meet other Volunteers.
*If you are a community organization, business, or school looking for Volunteers or volunteer opportunities please contact Francesca Glaspell at 505-992-7616 / francesca@172.97.101.154
The International Folk Art Market Mission And Vision
The mission of the International Folk Art Market is to create economic opportunities for and with folk artists worldwide who celebrate and preserve folk art traditions. IFAM envisions a world that values the dignity and humanity of the handmade, honors timeless cultural traditions, and supports the work of folk artists serving as entrepreneurs and catalysts for positive social change.
Folk art is rooted in place, culture, and community.
We gather here to celebrate the resilience of its creators in preserving vital traditions; in sharing with us the artistic expression of their beliefs and practices; and in standing as proof that folk art is a living discipline, constantly changing and transforming. We take inspiration from the significant Museum Hill institutions that daily give voice to the achievements, culture, and artistry of diverse peoples. We stand on the unceded territorial lands of the Tewa, Tano, Diné, and Jicarilla Apache peoples and undertake to honor those who have inhabited, and will continue to inhabit, this terrain and hold it sacred. We hold their presence sacred. As we welcome exceptional folk art masters, we strive to stretch our awareness and understanding of the value of place in sustaining communities, their voices, and their art.
Thank you for joining us in this inquiry and celebration.
Why Volunteer?
- Support and Join a Global Community – Work with over 100 master folk artists from all over the world who share their authentic artistic traditions.
- Create Sustainable Impact – Artists earn critical income, serving as catalysts for positive social change in their communities by improving employment, health care, education, and well-being.
- Become Part of the IFAM Community – Make lasting friendships with hundreds of volunteers from across the country and world – each of whom is integral to the success of the event.
- Experience the Market – Receive free admission to enjoy the Market as a guest outside of your volunteer shifts.
- Help in a Variety of Ways – With over 30 different assignments to choose from, you can find a volunteer role that suits your interests and schedule, or look for an assignment where you will gain a new skill set!
Questions? Visit the Volunteer FAQ or contact Francesca at 505-992-7616 / francesca@172.97.101.154