Southwest Indian Art Fair
Artist FAQ
Frequently asked questions from artist survey responses
Why does the Southwest Indian Art Fair (SWIAF) charge admission to visitors?
The cost for operating an event on this scale cannot be paid for by artist fees alone, or the artist fees would have to more than double. Since we have a strong commitment to the artists, we try to keep their fees as low as possible. Studies show that a modest admission fee adds a perception of value to visitors who attend art fairs. Our admission fee is designed to meet our costs while staying low enough that we do not charge more than other major art fair events.
Where do you get your judges?
Judges are selected from two sources:
- Native American artists who have established records of exhibition, solid sales history and are recommended by their peers. These are artists who are viewed as leaders in their fields.
- We also choose one judge from outside the Native American community who is closely associated with it. This can be someone who has shown scholarly achievement or business and arts achievement, and who may help artists gain exposure to a new marketplace.
Past judges have represented a large cross section of Native Tribes and a broad range of experience in different media. We welcome artists' recommendations for future judges.
Why can’t you have more categories for judging?
The staff of SWIAF work hard to encourage private businesses and individuals to contribute cash awards for the competition. We do this to help build community interest and support for the artists. Monies that are awarded are usually given with specific goals in mind. We respect the wishes of the donors and define our categories and awards accordingly. Each year we review our awards and try to seek out additional donors for categories that we believe are under-represented with awards.
Why can’t you (a) expand the times that you accept entries for the juried competition or (b) allow entries to be mailed in?
- As the number of entries increase, the judges need more time to view them. Noon is the latest we can accept entries in order to have enough time for them to be judged and set up for display at the Artist Reception on Friday evening.
- We are well aware of the difficultly some artists have in getting to Tucson on Friday morning. Mailed in entries would require storage space, which unfortunately the museum does not have.
We review this issue every year, looking for ways to make it easier for more artists to participate. We will notify artists if any changes are possible.
Why are there traders and Mexican artists at the fair?
Arizona State Museum is the institutional sponsor for this fair. Its mission and goals are what brought the event into being. ASM is committed to all of the native cultures that are central in its research, collections, programs and events. This includes all of the tribal groups that fall into areas of what we now call Mexico. The history of these tribes, such as the Zapotec, Mixe, and Tarahumara, are a part of the history of this region. The fair was designed to help support all of them, as well as those within the SW continental United States.
Unfortunately, it is difficult for many of the southern tribes (in Mexico) to attend the fair. During SWIAF we invite traders who are strongly supportive of the artists that they represent, to exhibit works of some of the tribes that cannot generally attend. This helps broaden our support of native artists and the traders donate half of all revenues back to the museum. We do not ask this kind of support of artists who pay booth fees.
Are there ways to keep non-Indian made goods out of the fair?
SWIAF has a Standards Committee made up of experts in the field of Native American Art. This committee responds to complaints of sales of inappropriate goods. Each year we review this process and are committed to developing it more so that all artists who conform to SWIAF standards can feel certain that they are not facing unfair competition.
Why are there booth fees?
SWIAF was created to support the artists by developing a market for authentic Indian arts. The cost of running this event runs into the tens of thousands of dollars; and, these costs are shared by several groups of interested supporters. Gate fees from the public and support from the museum pays for close to two thirds of the costs. The remaining third comes from booth fees. Because costs associated with producing the fair increase each year, more funds must be produced to service these rising costs. Each year the museum pays for more of its share of these costs. Those costs that cannot be managed by the museum are spread between the gate fees and the artist booth fees. All of these fees are subject to review each year and are designed to fall at or below the market value in the region. SWIAF is pleased to host an event that has the lowest booth fees and lowest gate fees of any event of its size and quality in the region. It presents the largest cash awards in its juried competition of any event of its kind. (Annual awards average $10,000 - $13,000 directly to the artists.) Estimated retail sales by artists at SWIAF exceeds one million dollars a year.
Can anything be done to alleviate the traffic or improve the parking?
The University of Arizona controls all traffic and parking on campus. We have contracted with the University's Parking & Transportation department to monitor the vehicles entering University Blvd. to try and alleviate traffic jams. Our biggest help is you—please park only on the north side of the street and move your vehicle as soon as it is unloaded.
There is no parking on campus, and no way for us to change that. However, all metered parking around the University is free on Friday after 5 p.m. and all weekend. The parking garage (located only one block away) is free all day Saturday and Sunday.
Why is the Southwest Indian Art Fair held on the last weekend in February?
The Southwest Indian Art Fair was originally scheduled on the last weekend of February to coincide with Tucson’s Rodeo Days celebration. This is the time when Tucson has the highest number of winter visitors. We feel it is an advantage to the artists to hold the fair at a time when the benefit of higher visitorship is greatest. The timing has also allowed us to partner with the Rodeo and other community groups in publicity to effectively reach a larger segment of the population.
More Information: Call 520-621-4523 or email Angelo Joaquin, Jr.
Return to the SWIAF Artist Information Page
Return to the SWIAF Main Page
This icon 
indicates link opens in a new window.
