IAIA

The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is a public, tribal college located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, dedicated to the education and advancement of Native American visual arts, digital media, performance, and literary arts. Established in 1962 by the United States government as a boarding school for Native youth, IAIA became a college in 1994 and joined the state university system in 1995, receiving accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

IAIA offers associate and bachelor of fine arts degrees across ten majors, including studio arts, visual communications, film and video production, animation, music composition and performance, design, and creative writing. The curriculum emphasizes both traditional Indigenous artistic practices and contemporary techniques, encouraging students to explore cultural heritage while engaging with modern artistic discourse.

The campus houses galleries, performance spaces, digital labs, and studios that serve both the student body and the broader community. IAIA’s outreach includes public exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative projects with tribal nations, cultural institutions, and other universities. The institute also provides scholarships, mentorship programs, and career services tailored to the needs of Indigenous artists.

Notable alumni include painter and activist Jaune Quick‑to‑See Smith, filmmaker Misty Upham, and musician Robert Mirabal. Faculty members are often practicing artists and scholars with expertise in Indigenous art histories and contemporary practices.

Governance of IAIA involves a board of trustees that includes representatives from the tribal nations of New Mexico and the United States, reflecting its mission to serve as a culturally responsive institution. The institute continues to play a pivotal role in preserving Native artistic traditions while fostering innovation within the global arts community.