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World’s Largest Folk Art Market, world record in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Nov 09, 2023
World’s Largest Folk Art Market, world record in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States--The International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States, features the work of more than 150 artists from 60 different countries; it has hosted more than 1,000 master folk artists from 100 countries, some venturing beyond their villages for the very first time and sets the world record for being the World’s Largest Folk Art Market, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

World’s Largest Folk Art Market, world record in Santa Fe, New Mexico

"The International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe is an annual limited-time event that brings together over 100 artists from nearly 60 different countries. It is a transformative experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world," the official website says.

"The Market in Santa Fe is a place where folk artists and heritage crafts from around the world are celebrated, where we honor the humanity in the handmade. For three days each year, thousands of visitors will attend the artists market, purchasing around $3 million of folk art directly from the artists themselves. That money goes on to support artist cooperatives and community projects that benefit thousands of people.

"The International Folk Art Market isn’t just a place to delight in the details and craftwork of folk art, but also a place where you can help uphold traditional cultural practices and support artists directly."

World’s Largest Folk Art Market, world record in Santa Fe, New Mexico

"Immerse yourself in Santa Fe’s famous International Folk Art Market, the world’s largest exhibition and sale of works by master folk artists. Since 2004, the International Folk Art Market has hosted more than 1,000 master folk artists from 100 countries, some venturing beyond their villages for the very first time. So exceptional is the work presented that over 20,000 people have attended this free event, which runs over five full days," the SantaFe.com says.


"The mission of the organization is to envision a world that “values the humanity of the handmade, honors timeless cultural traditions, and embraces the vision of dignified livelihoods for artists.” Considering the impact the IFAM has on a global scale, this is a vision that goes far beyond simple rhetoric. Artist earnings since the event was established have exceeded $31 million and impacted more than one million lives in the communities they represent.


"In July 2022, out-of-town and resident attendees at the market spent an estimated total of $9,855,427 outside of the market itself and generated Gross Receipts Tax of an additional $812,159. IFAM itself paid $246,211 in Gross Receipts Tax and generated an additional $1,448,477 in contracts and salaries associated with the event – bringing the total economic impact of the 2022 market to more than $11.5 million over five days."

World’s Largest Folk Art Market, world record in Santa Fe, New Mexico

"Started in 2004, the annual International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe is held during one weekend of July on Milner Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Folk Art Market is one of three summer markets in Santa Fe; Santa Fe also hosts the Spanish Market and the Indian Market.


"The Market was founded by businesswoman Judith Espinar, together with Thomas Aageson, executive director of the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and former executive director of Aid to Artisans; the former Market executive director, Charlene Cerny, formerly director of the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, and Charmay Allred, a community philanthropist. The State of New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the Museum of International Folk Art, and the Museum of New Mexico Foundation are the primary strategic partners. In its inaugural year, the market hosted sixty participating folk artists. By 2008, the number of artists grew to 125 artists from 41 different countries and in 2009, 126 artists from 46 nations.

"UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) was an early sponsor, providing funding for ten artists, followed by an artist-training program in 22 countries. UNESCO has given its Award of Excellence to several products beginning in 2007. In 2009, three booths featured UNESCO award-winning work.[6] In 2008, 97% of the market artists were from developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Central Asia, and the Middle East." (
Wikipedia)

World’s Largest Folk Art Market, world record in Santa Fe, New Mexico

"After nearly 20 years, thousands of visiting artists and so many millions of dollars impacting Santa Fe and heading to countries across the globe, the International Folk Art Market today announced it will leave its long-standing Museum Hill location behind next year," the Santa Fe Reporter says.



"The release goes on to explain that attendees can expect a similar size and scope to previous markets in 2023, including more than 160 artists from 52 countries—39 of which will come to Santa Fe for the first time next year. It also reports that market attendees spent an estimated total $9.86 million last year, additionally generating more that $812,000 in gross receipts tax. The market itself paid $246,211 in GRT, according to the statement.


"Additionally, Murray says, market organizers are hopeful for more foot traffic, be it from folks visiting the Farmers Market or simply traveling through the neighborhood. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express terminus also played a role in selecting Railyard Park for the market’s new location, as passengers can step off the train and take a short walk to the market."

World’s Largest Folk Art Market, world record in Santa Fe, New Mexico

"Since it began in 2004, as many as 800 master folk artists from as many as 92 countries across six continents have participated. You can literally take a stroll around the world. Wend your way under the canopies and be awestruck by the vast displays of art flowing in waves of color and texture like a global smorgasbord," the Santa Fe Selection Travel Guide says.

"This is a market for everyone including folk art collectors, cultural enthusiasts, families and the casually curious.

"Museum Hill is the ideal location with plenty of space and beautiful vistas of the Sangre de Cristo foothills, the Jemez and Sandia mountain ranges."

World’s Largest Folk Art Market, world record in Santa Fe, New Mexico

"Since 2004, the International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe, produced by the International Folk Art Alliance in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs, has hosted more than 750 artists from 91 countries in the world’s largest exhibition and sale of works by master folk artists," the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs says.

"The Market offers folk artists a respected spot in the global marketplace to gather together and share their handmade traditions, and to create economic, social, and individual empowerment.

"International Folk Art Market | Santa Fe fosters economic and cultural sustainability for folk artists and folk art worldwide and creates intercultural exchange opportunities that unite the peoples of the world. Each year over 20,000 visitors come to Museum Hill to experience the Market and celebrate folk art while enjoying international food and music."

World’s Largest Folk Art Market, world record in Santa Fe, New Mexico

"There are thousands of original folk art works and artist demonstrations at the 20th annual International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico," the Inside Santa Fe says.



"In Railyard Park this year, the world’s largest folk art market presents over 150 global artists in booths showcasing fine handmade crafts from textiles, ceramics, jewelry, basketry, clothing and more from more than 50 countries in an open-air bazaar. Shop for handmade crafts, taste global food from market food vendors and listen to world music.


"Visit their website for tickets and more information. Tickets have timed entry, and you can stay all day. The exception is Saturday day market closes at 5:45pm. The night market event requires a a separate ticket."

World’s Largest Folk Art Market, world record in Santa Fe, New Mexico

"Instead, nearly 200 artists — all selected by juries of experts — displayed colorful jewelry, basketry, carvings, pottery, metalwork, paintings, textiles and much more," the PBS says.

"They came to the world’s largest international folk art market from more than 60 nations with a range of ethnic, cultural and economic diversity.

"From Japan, there were silk and bamboo kites. From Oaxaca, Mexico, came delicate gold filigree and pearl jewelry. From Peru, there were carved gourds, and from Uzbekistan, handwoven kilims. Every stall brought a story."

World’s Largest Folk Art Market, world record in Santa Fe, New Mexico

"New Mexico has always had a rich cultural and artistic history. From early Native American artists dating back thousands of years to the contemporary artists of today, New Mexico is well known for its thriving arts community. It should come as no surprise that the world’s biggest International Folk Art Market started right here in Santa Fe, New Mexico," the Only In Your State says.


"What once was a one-weekend-a-year event, has turned into a year-long program that empowers artists and cultures from all over the world. From master world-renowned folk artists to artisans looking to provide a better life for their families in small communities all over the globe. The International Folk Art Market is held every July in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It features the work of more than 150 artists from 60 different countries.


"It must be an amazing feeling to travel all across the world to attend an event that celebrates your culture and values the hard work you do as an artist. But the impact doesn't end there. These artists are often members of local co-ops in their country. In fact, these 150-plus artists represent another 25,690 members of cooperatives and groups from their home countries."

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