Success at the IFAM in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Thembi Dlamini and Zoe Davidson were off on their US adventure on the 10th, after 2 days of travel they finally arrived in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They are there to represent not only Tintsaba and our 800 rural women but also Swaziland.

For those that do not know, Tintsaba is a regular guest of the IFAM (International Folk Art Market), this year marks our 10th year at the market. Market... Market really is not the correct term for it. This festival, extravaganza, event is a shining light in the international handcrafted goods industry. But I like how IFAM explains it best "a mecca for master folk artists and catalyst for social change across continents". With over 600 applications each year, the IFAM selects only 160 artists to appear who in-turn represent thousands of individual artists, thousands of hours of labor and love for their craft from over 60 countries. These 160 are the best of the best from textiles, home decor, to jewellery to innovative products.

This year was no exception, many artists we knew but was nice to see so many new faces from all parts of the world. Thembi and Zoe worked very hard during the market as well as a few events held by IFAM post-market. We were honored to showcase at the Annual Governor's Meeting, held on Museum Hill, this year and well as make a small contribution to the Breakthrough Santa Fe Program (learn more here) run at Santa Fe Preparatory School. Students got to meet and talk to various artists and learn about their lives and where they come from.

This year the IFAM market and Tintsaba broke a record, the market sold $3.3 million USD of product which 80% went back to artists and their communities. Tintsaba also broke its standing record for the event, thank you to everyone who supported us and contributed and of course IFAM.

We look forward to applying for next year and seeing all our international friends again.

Together we can weave a better life.