From the Cabinet Secretary

It is my honor to have been appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to serve as the cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. The repository for some of our state’s greatest treasures, the department boasts 15 divisions that celebrate and preserve New Mexico’s rich, multilayered history, cross-cultural influences and the stories of her people.

From T-Rex to the Mars Rover, and everything in between, New Mexico’s stories embrace diversity and celebrate the depth and breadth of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo influences.

Recent findings at an archaeological survey of the Coronado Historic Site provide verifiable proof that Spanish conquistador and explorer Francisco Vázques de Coronado’s large expedition camped near the historic site between 1540 and 1542.

But we are about more than ancient history. The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture has curated a powerful and contemporary exhibition about the events at Standing Rock, where social media’s influence organized the standoff over a pipeline drilling.

Delve into the genius of world-acclaimed designer Alexander Girard at the Museum of International Folk Art. Girard’s New Mexico connections and his global impact on the world of design will surprise you.

A survey of high school students nationwide found that New Mexico youth reported some of the highest rates of drug abuse. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science tackles the addiction crisis with Drugs: Costs & Consequences, ongoing through December 8. Brain: The Inside Story on exhibition through November 10 explores how the brain functions. Viewed together these exhibitions are powerful.

The New Mexico Museum of Art explores the geologic wonder that is The Great Unknown: Artists at Glen Canyon and Lake Powell through mid-September.

Learn about the many flags flown over the Palace of the Governors. Next door, at the New Mexico History Museum delve into the state’s musical legacy, read letters from New Mexican soldiers, and meet the capable women who kept the country running during WWII in the new exhibit We the Rosies: Women at Work.

Celebrating diversity every day, there are multiple recurring and new cultural events to be experienced at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. This sprawling campus is always busy with musical and theatrical performances, classes for all ages, weekly dance sessions, and social hours.

Learn about world-famous artist Peter Hurd and his connection to New Mexico at an exhibit of his magnificent work at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing this July at the New Mexico Museum of Space History.

This summer we invite you to take advantage of all that New Mexico has to offer. You will never want for engaging experiences and riveting stories about this region’s culture.

Sincerely,

Debra Garcia y Griego
Cabinet Secretary
NM Department of Cultural Affairs