SWAIA 2025 | Iconic Beginnings, Legacies in Motion

2025 marked a pivotal year for the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), defined by continued growth and substantive progress across our initiatives. Our artists remained at the center of this work, and the support of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, partners, and community members strengthened our programs with intention and integrity.

Across SWAIA Native Fashion Week, Santa Fe Indian Market, and Winter Indian Market, we saw tradition and innovation converge in ways that brought this year’s theme, Iconic Beginnings: Legacies in Motion, to life. Our staff and strategic partners worked collaboratively to sustain a platform that upholds the caliber and integrity of Native artistic excellence. Donors and sponsors invested deeply in this work, allowing us to expand opportunities, strengthen artist support, and carry SWAIA’s mission through each season.

Video by Evan Smith (Confederated Salish & Kootenai), Fall Intern Institute of American Indian Arts

Evan’s accomplishments include 2nd place in the Montana 48hr Film Project, Best Ensemble Cast and Audience Choice at the Seattle Geekapalooza Film Festival, recipient of the Missoula Colony Playwright Scholarship, and Dean’s List at IAIA. He was also a 2024 Native Lens Media Fellowship recipient, where he and eight other fellows directed documentary films featuring the Southern Ute community.

Contributed Media
Veronica Huerta (Fashion Videography & Editing)
Dom Pablo
Charles Montoya
Kitty Leaken