“IAIA is a community of artists and activists that understand the complexity of Indigenous knowledge systems and has helped me find my voice in that conversation.”
“I produce paintings as a result of timekeeping. If I am not being productive artistically, I am not leaving an imprint of my existence. I enjoy the arts process immensely and IAIA has helped further my work.”
“It was the hands-on classes, supportive staff, internships, and gallery preparation experiences that were most beneficial to me. After I graduate, I plan to use my knowledge and experience within my community and career.”
FTE
Tribes
States
On-Campus
Online
Headcount
Happenings
Here you will find IAIA Happenings. For IAIA Community happenings like student club events, ASG meetings, community-only workshops, and other campus happenings, visit the IAIA Community Calendar.
List of Events
2025 Spring IAIA Graduating Senior Exhibition: Rooted Voices
Join us for the 2025 Spring IAIA Graduating Senior Exhibition, Rooted Voices.
IAIA A-i-R: Robyn Tsinnajinnie and Russell Frye—Open Studios
Join IAIA A-i-R artists Robyn Tsinnajinne and Russell Frye for an open studio tour.
IAIA A-i-R: Laine Rinehart—Welcome Dinner and Open Studio
Join IAIA A-i-R artist Laine Rinehart for dinner and an open studio tour.
The Seeds and Hereafter—Readings by Graduating Creative Writing Majors
Join us for The Seeds and Hereafter, a reading by IAIA Creative Writing graduates.
MFACW 2025 Graduate Student Reading Series: Hartley, Wu, Bennion, Tiger, and Montoya
Readings with Bonney Hartley, Yu Hsuan Wu, Kate Bennion, Alec Tiger, and Timoteo Montoya as part of the 2025 MFACW Graduate Student Reading Series.
MFACW 2025 Graduate Student Reading Series: Vargas, Hudson, Oliver, Meinzer, Chavis, and Ruiz
Readings with Karen Vargas, Tyson Hudson, Owen Oliver, Melissa Meinzer, Larry Chavis, and Celia Ruiz as part of the 2025 MFACW Graduate Student Reading Series.
IAIA A-i-R: Laine Rinehart—Open Studio
Join IAIA A-i-R artist Laine Rinehart for an open studio tour.
MFACW 2025 Graduate Student Reading Series: Bluesky, Anthony, Sawney, and Romero
Readings with Andrew Bluesky, Jessie Anthony, Brenna Sawney, and Savannah Romero as part of the 2025 MFACW Graduate Student Reading Series.
2024–2025 IAIA BFA Exhibition: Kinship Woven Through Ancestral Lands—Closing Reception
Closing reception for the 2024–2025 IAIA BFA exhibition Kinship Woven Through Ancestral Lands.
2025 IAIA Commencement Ceremony
Please join the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10 am (MDT).
Latest News
The most recent news, press releases, and updates from the Institute of American Indian Arts. View all News
Canvas of Renewal: How IAIA’s Indigenous Liberal Studies Programs Aim to Heal Generational Wounds
IAIA’s Indigenous Liberal Studies program addresses historical trauma through culturally grounded education, offering tools for healing and resilience across generations.
Alum Spotlight: Santana Shorty (Navajo) ’24
IAIA alum Santana Shorty (Navajo) ’24 is a writer whose debut novel reflects her love for Abiquiú, New Mexico and her passion for Indigenous storytelling.
Tru West Selected as the 2025 Student of the Year
Tru West (Diné) was recently named the 2025 IAIA Student of the Year.
NBCU Academy Scholarship
IAIA has been selected by NBC Universal News Group to be a part of the initial cohort of institutions to participate in the launch of NBCU Academy.
Exhibition Spotlight—Jordan Ann Craig’s “My Way Home”
In her latest exhibition, My Way Home, Jordan Ann Craig (Northern Cheyenne) A-i-R ’19 takes us on a deeply personal journey through Indigenous abstraction.
IAIA Quantum Couture—Physics Meets Fashion on the Runway
IAIA will present a one-of-a-kind collaboration on the cutting edge of fashion and quantum physics on a uniquely designed runway outside the museum.
2025 MFACW Graduate Student Reading Series
The IAIA Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFACW) program presents the Graduate Student Reading Series, showcasing the work of our 2025 graduates in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting.
A Message from IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin—March 2025
IAIA remains financially stable and committed to its mission despite federal budget uncertainties.
Apache Anamorphic: A New Community Mural Blends Street Art and Indigenous Identity at IAIA
A new mural by Al Diaz and Douglas Miles debuts this spring on the east side of the Academic Building.