“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
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.
2025 IndigenousWays Film Festival
Immerse yourself in the art of Indigenous storytelling at the 2025 IndigenousWays Film Festival.
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.
Not Here But There—Opening Reception
Opening reception for the exhibition Not Here But There, representing candidates for the IAIA MFA in Studio Arts Class of 2025.
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).
2025 “Honoring Our Graduates” IAIA Spring Powwow
Save the date for the 2025 “Honoring Our Graduates” IAIA Spring Powwow, May 17, 2025, from 1 pm–5 pm (MDT).
Latest News
The most recent news, press releases, and updates from the Institute of American Indian Arts. View all News
Chipotle Cultivate Foundation Award Funds IAIA’s Indigenous Agricultural Program
The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) has received a grant from the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation to enhance its Indigenous Agricultural Program on IAIA’s 140-acre campus.
IAIA Launches Groundbreaking Computer Science Program Bridging Indigenous Knowledge and Digital Innovation
The launch of the new Computer Science program at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) marks a transformative and timely step in the college’s mission to empower Indigenous creativity and leadership.
Albuquerque Journal Review—“Kite and Wíhaŋble S’a Center: Dreaming with AI”
The Albuquerque Journal reviews Kite and Wíhaŋble S’a Center: Dreaming with AI, exploring the intersection of Lakȟóta cosmology, Indigenous knowledge, and AI.
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.
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.