Programs & Events

A member of the portal program demonstrates her skills.

The New Mexico History Museum welcomes applications to the Portal Program from Native American artists and craftspeople who meet the program requirements. More than 1500 artisans are currently authorized to participate in the Portal Program. 

Qualifying

To qualify as a participant in the program, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and belong to a New Mexico federally recognized Tribe and Pueblo.

Prior to admittance to the program, applicants must demonstrate, to an audience of their peers, technical mastery of their chosen craft. Once enrolled in the program the artist may only sell items under the portal that they have demonstrated. If an artist would like to sell a new craft they are to apply for an add-on and demonstrate their new skill.

Applying

Interested artists may complete and return the application below to the New Mexico History Museum. Please attach proof of tribal enrollment to your completed application. Applications may be submitted by email to the Portal Program Coordinator. Applications may also be submitted in person in a secured mailbox outside the office of the Portal Coordinator. 

Once your application is received it will be placed, in the order it was received, on the demonstration schedule. A member of the Portal Committee will contact you to schedule your demonstration. Applicants must complete a demonstration prior to admittance to the program and if accepted by the Committee and Director applicant will be a participant Member of the Artisan program. 

Link to Application to Native American Artisans' Portal Program

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