Alamogordo Eyes Cultural Arts District Designation to Boost Downtown Revival as Next Steps for Job Creation

A quiet transformation is unfolding in the heart of Alamogordo, where the arts are no longer just a weekend pastime—they’re becoming the backbone of a revitalized downtown. With new leadership at the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts, a multimillion-dollar restoration of the Sands Theater, and the dynamic programming of Otero Arts Inc., and two art galleries in the final stages on the 1200 Block of New York Avenue all backed by the muscle of Alamogordo MainStreet and additional marketing support of Block12.org, city creative economy leaders are positioning Alamogordo as southern New Mexico’s next cultural arts and history destination spot.

As the final touches are soon to be applied to the 800 and 900 blocks of New York Avenue's Makeover. Now, some attention can be devoted to the 1100 and 1200 Blocks, with support from the New Mexico MainStreet programs, and a push to secure official designation as a state-recognized Arts & Cultural District, Alamogordo’s 1100 and 1200 blocks of New York Avenue  to include additional areas such as Otero Arts at 1118 Indiana and the Tularosa Basin Museum at 10th and White Sands Blvd are stepping into the spotlight. Each instutions is featured on Block12.org, a marketing inititative created to amplifying their reach and impact as the arts corridor of the Alamogordo MainStreet District.

The effort—long championed by local artist Rene Sepulveda and 2nd Life Media’s storyteller Chris Edwards—has gained renewed momentum under the new leadership of Gerard Gibbs, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Flickinger Center. "Gibbs has made collaborations a priority of his new role," according to Alamogordo City Commissioner Warren Robinson and Mayor Pro Temp Sharon McDonald. Following the successful rehabilitation of the 800 and 900 blocks of New York Avenue by Alamogordo MainStreet and the City of Alamogordo those in the creative sector believe this is the next natural phase of evolution for creative economy jobs growth which builds tourism and adds to the culture and character of Alamogordo.

New Blood Driving Change and A Renewed Vision at the Flickinger Center

Gibbs, a seasoned arts administrator and musician, brings a bold vision for expanding programming, deepening community engagement, and securing Alamogordo’s place on the state’s cultural map.

The Flickinger Center already hosts over 40,000 guests annually, offering a mix of national touring acts and local productions. This summer’s lineup includes Yesterday: A Tribute to The Beatles, A Brothers Revival, and comedian William Lee Martin. The Center also partners with Children’s Music Theater of Alamogordo, nurturing young talent through productions like Lion King Jr. and The Wizard of Oz.

Sands Theater: A Revival in Progress

Just steps from the Flickinger, the historic Sands Theater is undergoing a $1 million restoration funded by the City of Alamogordo. Originally opened in 1937, the venue is being reimagined as a flexible space for indie films, community events, and educational programming. Its location within the proposed Arts & Cultural District makes it a key player in Alamogordo’s downtown renaissance.

Otero Arts: Creativity Rooted in Community

Housed in the restored Woman’s Club building, Otero Arts Inc. offers exhibitions, workshops, and performances for all ages. Its 2025 programming includes:

• A Veteran Arts Showcase with readings, concerts, and expressive arts workshops
• Rebel Music Theater’s Broadway Review 
• Monthly exhibitions featuring regional artists
• All-ages workshops in sandpainting, collage, and acrylic pour
• Film screenings like Mary Cassatt: Painting the Modern Woman and The Life and Legend of Billy the Kid

Otero Arts also hosts the Jornada Research Institute Lecture Series and the Otero Arts Reading Series, blending history, literature, and visual arts into a rich tapestry of community engagement.

District with Depth and Vision

The proposed district would formally encompass the 1100 and 1200 blocks of New York Avenue, while expanding to include:

• The Alleyway Art Project murals on the 800 and 900 blocks
• Otero Arts Inc. at 1118 Indiana Avenue near 12th Street
• The Tularosa Basin Museum of History at 10th Street and White Sands Boulevard, which backs onto the 1100 block

Together, these sites form a walkable, story-rich district that blends history, visual arts, live performance, and cultural education.

Mayor Pro Tempore Sharon McDonald and City Commissioner Warren Robinson have each emerged as a vocal advocates for the designation, calling it “a visionary step toward highlighting Alamogordo’s small business entrepreneurs in the creative economy.” McDonald emphasized that the district would not only enhance quality of life but also attract tourism, stimulate investment, and support local jobs.

“This corridor already reflects the spirit of Alamogordo,” Robinson said. “Formal recognition will help us grow it, protect it, and share it with the world.”

Statewide Recognition and Economic Impact

According to a 2025 New Mexico Tourism Department study, the nonprofit arts sector generates over $740 million in economic activity statewide, supporting nearly 10,000 jobs and contributing $106 million in tax revenue. Nonlocal attendees spend an average of $121.74 per cultural event, making arts investment a strategic driver of local prosperity.

As Alamogordo creative economy leader work closer to securing its place among New Mexico’s designated Arts & Cultural Districts, community leaders say the effort reflects a deeper truth: the arts are not just entertainment—they’re infrastructure.

“This is about building a future that honors our past and empowers our people,” said artist Rene Sepulveda. “And we’re just getting started.”

For updates on performances and district progress, visit Alamogordo MainStreet, Flickinger Center, Otero Arts, and Block12.org and of course tune in to KALHRadio.org and AlamogordoTownNews.org

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