“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.”
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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
“Reflections of Venice” Pop-Up Exhibition
The exhibition, Reflections of Venice, captures the essence of the transformative experience IAIA students, mentors, and staff had while exploring Venice during the IAIA Venice Indigenous School in Summer 2024.
2025 Spring Exhibitions “Kite and Wíhaŋble S’a Center” and “Jordan Ann Craig”—Opening Reception
Join us for a reception celebrating the latest exhibitions, Kite and Wíhaŋble S’a Center: Dreaming with AI and Jordan Ann Craig: My Way Home, on Friday March 21, 2025.
Indigenous AI and Art
Please join Kite, Dr. Clementine Bordeaux, and Dr. Laura Harjo for an on-campus presentation about Indigenous AI as it relates to contemporary art, ethics, and community.
IAIA A-i-R: Neeko Garcia—Open Studio
Join IAIA A-i-R artist Neeko Garcia for an open studio tour.
IAIA A-i-R: Robyn Tsinnajinnie and Russell Frye—Welcome Dinner and Open Studios
Join IAIA A-i-R artists Robyn Tsinnajinne and Russell Frye for dinner and an open studio tour.
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.
MFACW 2025 Graduate Student Reading Series: Hartley, Hsuan 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.
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
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.
“Reflections of Venice” Pop-Up Exhibition—Indigenous Perspectives on Art, Identity, and Place
The exhibition, Reflections of Venice, captures the essence of the transformative experience IAIA students, mentors, and staff had while exploring Venice during the IAIA Venice Indigenous School in Summer 2024.
2025 Spring President’s Convocation Celebrates Resilience, Ancestral Ties
The 2025 Spring President’s Convocation celebrated resilience, ancestral connections, and the transformative power of art amid change.
2024 IAIA Holiday Art Market—A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Culture
On December 14, 2024, over 100 artists gathered together to show their work at the annual IAIA Holiday Art Market.
AMC/AMC+ Supports IAIA Film Students on Dark Winds and Beyond
Through a groundbreaking partnership with AMC/AMC+, IAIA’s Cinematic Arts and Technology program is providing Indigenous film students with hands-on experience on the set of Dark Winds.
IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin Announces Retirement After Over 40 Years of Transformational Leadership in Tribal Higher Education
Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee Nation), President of IAIA—the University for Indigenous Creative Excellence—in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has announced his retirement.
Alum Spotlight: Stephanie Stewart (Navajo and Kiowa) ’19
IAIA Alum Stephanie Stewart (Navajo and Kiowa) ’19 is a curatorial assistant at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA), blending art and science to preserve Indigenous heritage.