New Mexico Arts Awards $1.5 Million to Arts Organizations in Need

August 3rd, 2020

SANTA FE – The state arts agency, New Mexico Arts (NMA), announced today that it has awarded $1.5 million in state and federal funds to approximately 200 arts organizations, colleges and universities, K-12 schools, tribal governments, and government entities. NMA is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

These resources will fund online arts programming and services, assist with the retention of full- and part-time jobs, and support independently-contracted artists, arts administrators, and arts educators across the state. One-third of the funding was awarded to organizations based in New Mexico’s rural communities.

The state’s arts and culture sector, which typically contributes roughly $5.9 billion annually to New Mexico’s economy, has taken a hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has suspended large gatherings, resulting in the cancellation of in-person programming, the layoff of musicians and other artists, and in some cases the complete closure of organizations. Because of a decline in ticket sales, which can be a significant source of income for performing arts organizations, arts providers have been called upon to create virtual programming for their audiences.

"The mission of New Mexico Arts is to provide financial and other support to arts programs and providers around the state," said Jenice Gharib, grants program and policy director for the agency. "This $1.5 million in state and federal funds will provide some measure of relief for our arts providers that continue to provide programs and services for adults and youth in our state and keep New Mexicans employed during these precarious times."

Funds being distributed by New Mexico Arts are from the State general fund, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the federal CARES Act.

To view a list of FY21 awardees by county: http://nmarts.org/assets/files/publications/reports/FY21_By_County.pdf

To view a list of NM CARES funds awardees: http://nmarts.org/assets/files/cares/NM%20CARES%20Final%20Awardees.pdf

About New Mexico Arts
New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, is the state arts agency. New Mexico Arts administers the state’s One Percent for Public Art program, awards grants to nonprofit organizations for arts and cultural programs in their communities across the state, and provides technical assistance and educational opportunities for organizations, artists, and arts educators throughout New Mexico.

Events, news releases, and images related to activities in divisions of the DCA can be accessed at media.newmexicoculture.org.

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