Otero Arts Invites Applications for Planner/Coordinator Role in Groundbreaking Arts & Health Initiative

Alamogordo, NM – February 25, 2026 – Otero Arts Inc., a vibrant nonprofit arts council dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Otero County, is actively seeking a qualified individual to serve as Planner/Coordinator for its newly funded Arts & Health Initiative. This contract position offers a unique opportunity to shape programs that harness the arts to boost community health and well-being, backed by a $5,000 planning grant from New Mexico Arts.

Otero Arts, headquartered at Otero Artspace on 12th and Indiana Avenue in Alamogordo, has long been a cornerstone of local creativity. The organization delivers a diverse array of programs, including visual art exhibits, literary readings, concerts, art workshops, and specialized initiatives for veterans and military artists. Supported by funders such as New Mexico Arts (a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs), Thrive in Southern New Mexico, the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, Creative West, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Otero County Electric Cooperative, Otero Arts continues to foster artistic expression and education across the region.

The Arts & Health Initiative draws from a growing body of research highlighting the profound benefits of arts engagement on personal and communal health. Studies show that participating in the arts can strengthen social connections, combat isolation, and improve outcomes related to conditions like cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. As noted in the 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on loneliness and isolation, the lack of social bonds poses risks comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day—surpassing even those from obesity or inactivity.

In line with New Mexico Arts’ statewide framework, Otero Arts’ initiative emphasizes collaborative planning to integrate arts-based practices into community health efforts. The organization has partnered with The Counseling Center, a local nonprofit behavioral health clinic in Alamogordo, to ensure a holistic approach. The selected Planner/Coordinator will lead the development of a comprehensive strategy document, focusing on priorities like connecting partners, convening stakeholders, and contributing to solutions for social connectedness and belonging.

This paid contract position is funded through the grant, with $3,500 allocated for the coordinator’s compensation and $1,500 for marketing and other expenses. The role involves consulting with New Mexico Arts’ Arts & Health Initiative coordinator, engaging in peer-to-peer learning, and participating in virtual sessions and hands-on activities to build capacity and best practices. The final plan must be completed by June 30, 2026, aligning with the grant period from January 1 to June 30, 2026.

Interested candidates should review the detailed guidelines on the New Mexico Arts website at nmarts.org/all-programs/arts-health, paying special attention to the “Collaborative Community Plan Outline.” Applicants are encouraged to submit a résumé, curriculum vitae, or list of qualifications via email to Chris Jones at cjones@oteroarts.org by March 9, 2026.

For more information on Otero Arts’ programs or the initiative, visit oteroarts.org or contact the organization directly. This project represents an exciting step forward in blending Alamogordo’s artistic heritage with health-focused innovation, promising lasting benefits for residents of all ages and backgrounds.

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