UNESCO Creative Cities Overview
Established by the United Nations in 1945, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) promotes global peace and security through international collaboration in education, culture, the sciences, and the arts. In 2004, UNESCO launched the Creative Cities Network to recognize and connect cities that use creativity as a key driver for sustainable development. The network highlights excellence across seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, Music, and Film, fostering cultural exchange, economic vitality, and community enrichment worldwide.
Santa Fe UNESCO Designation History
Designated in 2005 as one of the first seven UNESCO Creative Cities and the first in the United States recognized for Crafts and Folk Art, Santa Fe has long been a center of artistic excellence. Rooted in the ancestral lands of O’ga Po’geh Owingeh, Santa Fe and the surrounding northern New Mexico region are home to deep, diverse, and living traditions, including pottery, textile arts, metalwork, music, and foodways that have been passed down through generations. While celebrated for its heritage in Crafts and Folk Art, Santa Fe also fosters creativity across all seven UNESCO creative fields. Local Pueblo and Hispano/Latinx artists are globally recognized, and a vibrant community of traditional and contemporary makers continues to shape the region’s cultural identity through innovation, resilience, and artistic expression.
20th Anniversary Celebration
In 2025, the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO designation, we are celebrating under the theme Generations: Tradition as Innovation, showcasing heritage arts passed down through generations. The six creative platforms highlighted are fiber arts, pottery, performance, metalwork, woodcraft, and new traditional crafts.
2025 Calendar Highlights
Annual Markets
International Folk Art Market (IFAM)
July 10–13 | Santa Fe Railyard
Featuring master artisans from around the world. New this year: Announcement of the inaugural Balzer Folk Art Innovation Prize winner.
Traditional Spanish Market
July 26–27 | Santa Fe Plaza
Celebrating traditional Hispanic art forms with artists, food, and cultural events.
UNESCO Creative City Events
February 2025
Anniversary Launch Celebration
A vibrant community party with artists, musicians, dancers, interactive craft activities, and heritage foods.
May–June 2025
Get to Know Your Creative City Series
Free demonstrations, talks, and workshops with local master artisans.
Dates: May 10, 17, 24, and June 7, 14
Topics include: Blacksmithing, tinwork, santero carving, jewelry making, and Cochiti drum making.
August 2025
SWAIA Indigenous Art Market
August 16–17 | Santa Fe Plaza and across town
Indigenous arts from traditional to contemporary, with exhibits, events, and satellite activities.
September 2025
Symposium at the Museum of International Folk Art
Focused on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal: Climate and Cultural Resiliency.
October–November 2025
UNESCO-Aligned Exhibit at the Community Gallery
October 22–November 29
Showcasing Santa Fe’s excellence in pottery, woodwork, metalwork, weaving, performing arts, and emerging traditions.
Get Involved with Santa Fe’s UNESCO Creative City Initiatives
Santa Fe’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art reflects the deep cultural roots and global significance of our creative community. There are many meaningful ways you can support and participate in this work:
Artists
We welcome artists whose work aligns with craft and folk art traditions. Whether you’re emerging or established, we’re committed to:
- Building connections across the creative community
- Facilitating studio visits and artist exchanges (local and international)
- Recognizing hidden treasures and living legends in our region
Stay Connected
Click here to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on calls for artists, exhibit opportunities, and events.
Volunteer
Help bring our events and initiatives to life. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Assisting with local exhibits and festivals
- Supporting visiting artists from Creative Cities around the world
- Engaging directly with cultural exchange programs
Donate
Your contributions support artist exchanges, exhibits, and educational opportunities.
We welcome:
- Monetary donations
- In-kind donations such as lodging, meals, craft materials, or equipment
All donations go directly toward fostering cultural exchange and supporting local artists.
Sponsor
Partner with us to sustain and grow our international and local programs.
Sponsorship opportunities include:
- Funding travel and accommodations for visiting international artists
- Supporting apprenticeships for local youth and emerging artists
- Backing intercultural artist exchanges and public programs
We welcome individuals, businesses, and institutions. Contact us to learn more about sponsorship levels and benefits.
Why Your Support Matters
Santa Fe’s craft and folk art traditions are globally recognized but increasingly vulnerable. Challenges include:
- Aging generations of master artists
- Economic pressures are limiting younger participation
- Climate change is affecting land- and water-based practices
Your involvement helps us:
- Create adult apprenticeship and business development programs
- Offer public workshops and demonstrations
- Preserve intergenerational knowledge through documentation and partnerships
- Support youth education and cultivate new collectors
- Research cultural resiliency in the face of environmental change
Together with artists, institutions, and community members, we are working to sustain and celebrate Santa Fe’s living heritage for generations to come.