Jason S. Ordaz, the chief communications officer at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), has been selected to receive the 2025 Santa Fe Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in the category of arts education. The award, presented by Mayor Alan Webber, the City of Santa Fe Arts Commission, and the Arts and Culture Department, recognizes Ordaz’s contributions as both an artist and educator, inspiring and empowering students through the visual arts and storytelling. 

In selecting Ordaz for the award, the committee highlighted his dual role as a visionary photographer and dedicated educator, stating, “His impact is visible across Santa Fe—in stunning photographs that capture our cultural heritage with precision, patience, and thoughtfulness, in the successes of the students he has mentored, and in the strengthened identity of one of our premier higher education institutions in Santa Fe.” 

Ordaz, whose career spans over 20 years in photography, communications, and education, has significantly shaped IAIA’s visual identity and advanced its mission of promoting Indigenous arts and cultures. His work has garnered national and international acclaim, appearing in publications such as Vogue, Smithsonian, The New York Times, The Santa Fe New Mexican, Forbes, and many others. In 2018, Ordaz was featured on the cover of the Pasatiempo magazine as part of its “Unsung Heroes” issue, which celebrated behind-the-scenes figures whose contributions are vital to the arts. 

IAIA president emeritus Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee Nation) expressed congratulations, saying, “Jason’s expertise in writing and photography has raised the profile of IAIA not only in Santa Fe, but also in the state, region, and nationally. His passion for the creative arts makes him the perfect vehicle for highlighting the significance of IAIA’s contributions to contemporary Indigenous arts through our mission, programs, and accomplishments of our students and alum during the course of our 63-year history.” 

Reflecting on the award, Ordaz shared gratitude, saying, “I am honored by this recognition and grateful to Mayor Alan Webber, the City of Santa Fe Arts Commission, and the Arts and Culture Department.” Ordaz further acknowledged the mentors and collaborators who have shaped his career. “I am especially thankful for the mentorship and support of IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin and former School for Advanced Research president Dr. James Brooks. Their encouragement, guidance, and commitment to fostering creativity have been instrumental in my development as an artist and educator. I’ve also been fortunate to learn from and collaborate with so many talented artists and students at IAIA and across the Santa Fe community. And of course, at the heart of this honor is the unwavering support of my family.” 

IAIA board of trustees chair Beverly Wright-Morris (Unangax̂) remarked, “I am delighted to join in the celebration of Jason Ordaz as he receives the excellence in the arts award from Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber. His presence is felt everywhere during Santa Fe’s vibrant summer arts season. He not only documents through photography and videography the key moments of the IAIA commencement ceremony and Santa Fe Indian Market activities, but also has an eye for capturing the subtle moments that reflect the true spirit of our community.”