The 2024 Year in Review
Last year, 2024, was a huge growth year for the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). The 2024 IAIA Benefit and Auction Event raised a record $1.1 million gross for student scholarships. We also welcomed free Fridays at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA). IAIA inaugurated the cutting-edge certificate program Artistic Indigenization of Artificial Intelligence (AIAI) and we celebrated our many diverse Indigenous cultural heritages at Powwow. Students and staff also got a chance to celebrate with our President, Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee Nation) as he accepted the National Humanities Medal given to him by President Joe Biden at the White House, and we were able to show our pride in his accomplishments again when Santa Fe declared November 17 as “Dr. Robert Martin Day.” Recapping the year in highlights was a challenge, given that we had so many of them. We look forward to many more in 2025.
View all the 2024 events and happenings.
Jeffrey Gibson, First Solo Indigenous Artist Representing the US at the Venice Biennale Supports Students at IAIA
In Summer 2024, artist Jeffrey Gibson (member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and of Cherokee descent) made history as the first Indigenous artist to represent the US at the Venice Biennale.
IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin Awarded Distinguished National Humanities Medal
The 19 distinguished medal recipients, include IAIA President Dr. Martin, and comprise writers, historians, educators, and filmmakers.
2024 Fall IAIA Powwow: A Vibrant Celebration of Culture, Community, and Tradition
The 2024 Fall IAIA Powwow created a vibrant atmosphere of cultural celebration and community connection.
Annual Alumni Luncheon Highlights Connection and Achievement
IAIA held its annual alumni luncheon on August 16 at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Allan Houser Art Park.
2024 IAIA Benefit & Auction Event Raises Record $1.1 Million Gross for Student Scholarships
The sold-out event, attended by almost 350 people, grossed more than $1.1 million in donations, art purchases, ticket sales, and pledges.
MFACW Director Deborah Jackson Taffa on her Memoir Whiskey Tender
Since releasing her memoir in February, Deborah Jackson Taffa has seen her book highlighted in best-of-lists and rave reviews.
IAIA Master of Fine Arts Programs Celebrate Commencement Week
The IAIA MFA programs each held individual Hooding Ceremonies during Commencement week, and overall, they graduated a total of 40 students.
2024 IAIA Commencement—A Day of Honor and Celebration
Excitement and pride surged throughout campus as the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) held the 2024 Commencement on Saturday, May 11.
IAIA Announces Its New Tagline—The University for Indigenous Creative Excellence
IAIA is pleased to announce the release of a new logo set incorporating its newly adopted tagline, “The University for Indigenous Creative Excellence.” The tagline reflects the essence and aspirations of IAIA.
Earn a Certificate in Artistic Indigenization of Artificial Intelligence (AIAI) at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA)
IAIA welcomes a new certificate program to its growing academic offerings—Artistic Indigenization of Artificial Intelligence (AIAI).
MoCNA’s Four-Year Winning Streak in USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
IAIA is pleased to share that USA TODAY 10Best named MoCNA number nine in the Readers’ Choice contest for Best Art Museum in the United States.
Bell Edmo Selected as the 2024 IAIA Student of the Year
Bell Edmo (Pyramid Lake Paiute, Shoshone Bannock, and Blackfeet) was recently named the 2024 IAIA Student of the Year.
Special Screening of Marvel’s Echo for IAIA Students during Native American Heritage Month
The IAIA community was among one of the first audiences to see the first two episodes of Marvel’s Echo in a private advance screening.
IAIA Names Aiden Deleary as Inaugural Recipient of Chihuly Scholarship
IAIA is pleased to name Aiden Deleary (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation) as the first recipient of the Chihuly Scholarship
Free Fridays at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
MoCNA to offer free admission on Fridays to all attendees from January 2023 through December 2026.