8-08-2025 6:28am

Creative Economy Grants Available

Chris Edwards Editor

The New Mexico Arts & Cultural Districts (ACD) Pilot Grant Program is a one-time collaborative initiative organized by New Mexico Arts, EDD’s Mainstreet program, and the Creative Industries Division to demonstrate the economic potential and cultural impact of directly funding state-authorized Arts & Cultural Districts.

The grant offers awards between $50,000 and $100,000 to provide catalytic resources for ACDs. The program aims to implement high-impact creative industry programming, drive local economic growth, and build the case for sustained investment through a dedicated fund outside of the Creative Industries Division.

“So many of our communities have shaped their economic identities around the arts, culture, and creative industries,” said Rob Black, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Economic Development Department. “When we take the time to invest strategically in what makes each region special, we see benefits that last and have real cultural significance.”

New Mexico has ten State-Authorized ACDs located in downtown Albuquerque, Artesia, Carlsbad, Gallup, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Mora, Raton, and Silver City.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with these tried-and-true New Mexico programs,” said Shani Harvie, EDD’s Creative Industries director. “Their experience combines 100+ years of service to artists, creatives, and small businesses across the state and is an excellent example of ongoing public efforts to support our local creative economy.”

“Since 2007, when the ACD program was established in state statute, New Mexico Arts has partnered with the Economic Development Department’s MainStreet program to bring ACDs online around the state,” said Michelle Laflamme-Childs, New Mexico Arts executive director. “We are excited to now partner with the Creative Industries Division to support ACDs in their growth and development by helping them to bring arts and culture programming into the hearts of their communities.”

This pilot program is designed to ignite momentum, inspire replication, and affirm that New Mexico’s cultural economy flourishes with intentional, strategic support.

“New Mexico’s State-Authorized ACDs will make a significant impact on their local creative economies with this grant funding,” said Daniel J. Gutierrez, New Mexico MainStreet director and ACD state coordinator. “Cultural programming and placemaking activities supported by this grant will benefit communities statewide.”

Visit edd.newmexico.gov/creative to learn more and register for the August 8 informational webinar.