IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee Nation)

At the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), we not only observe history—we create it.

Since 1962, thousands of our creative artists have laid the groundwork and tread new pathways to create the finest contemporary Indigenous art in the world. With expanded certificates and undergraduate and graduate programs, IAIA is now the premier university for creative excellence empowering leadership and creativity in Indigenous arts and cultures internationally.

As our students return for a new academic year, IAIA proudly honors our six-decade legacy of art celebrities, intellectual luminaries, critically acclaimed poets, celebrated authors, visionary scholars, civil rights changemakers, esteemed museum professionals, innovative educators, filmmakers, and influential cultural leaders who are shaping the future. If you can see it, you can be it—and we’re seeking support for our next generation of inspiring artists.

On the evening of August 14, 2024, the Scholarships Shape Futures—2024 IAIA Benefit and Auction will be co-hosted by KOAT-TV News Anchor Royale Da’ (San Ildefonso Pueblo) and multidisciplinary artist Shane Hendren (Navajo) ’23 at the La Fonda on the Plaza to raise vital funds for student scholarships.

The auction features artworks by prominent Indigenous artists who are IAIA alumni including three-time US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (Mvskoke Nation) ’68, George Rivera (Pueblo of Pojoaque) ’84, Pat Pruitt (Laguna Pueblo and Chiricahua Apache) A-i-R ’22, Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo) ’89, Tommy Orange (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma) ’16, Kathleen Wall (Jemez Pueblo) ’14, among others.

As an education partner in support of Jeffrey Gibson’s (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and of Cherokee descent) selection as the first-ever solo Indigenous artist representing the United States in the US Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale, the IAIA Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts summer student residency in June was held in Venice, Italy. In addition, several undergraduate students were able to attend. In collaboration with Gibson, as well as galleries and art colleges in Venice and the United States, programming and exhibitions were organized during the residency. Partnerships like this, along with your generous financial support, enable IAIA to further its mission of empowering our students.

The scholarship funds raised enable students to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees in Cinematic Arts and Technology, Creative Writing, Indigenous Liberal Studies, Museum Studies, Performing Arts, and Studio Arts. IAIA also offers certificates in Business and Entrepreneurship, Museum Studies, and Native Art History, and low-residency programs in Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Studio Arts, and Cultural Administration.

While 85 percent of IAIA students are eligible for federal financial aid, these grants only pay for half of annual student attendance costs. We want our students to graduate debt free, and it’s motivating for them to know we care enough to invest in their futures.

Online bidding ends at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, August 14, just prior to the start of the Scholarships Shape Futures—2024 IAIA Benefit & Auction. Visit www.iaia.edu/bid to participate in the online auction and view all live and online auction items.

Since our early days as a high school funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, we have worked tenaciously to build a world-class university devoted to creating, interpreting, and preserving ground-breaking contemporary Indigenous arts. We welcome you to join us in supporting and cultivating leaders who are decolonizing arts and building sustainable careers as self-assured creative professionals.

We extend our sincere thanks to our growing community of esteemed artists, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and collectors. We are grateful for your invaluable support for IAIA.

Wado,

Robert Martin, EdD (Cherokee Nation)
IAIA President

This Op-Ed piece appeared in the Santa Fe New Mexican’s My View section on Sunday, August 11, 2024.

Jaime Herrell (Cherokee Nation and European) ’24 during the 2023 Scholarships Shape Futures—Auction & Benefit.

Explore Degree Programs

We invite you to explore our degree programs and certificates to find out which program is right for you. Below are the programs we offer at IAIA.

Institute of American Indian Arts

The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is the only university in the world dedicated to the study of contemporary Native American and Alaska Native arts. IAIA offers undergraduate degrees in Cinematic Arts and Technology, Creative Writing, Indigenous Liberal Studies, Museum Studies, Performing Arts, and Studio Arts; graduate degrees in Creative Writing, Studio Arts, and Cultural Administration; and certificates in Broadcast Journalism, Business and Entrepreneurship, Museum Studies, and Native American Art History. The college serves approximately 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) Native and non-Native American students from around the globe, representing nearly a hundred federally recognized tribes. Named one of the top art institutions by UNESCO and the International Association of Art, IAIA is among the leading art institutes in our nation and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).