Silver City, NM – The New Mexico Economic Development Department and New Mexico MainStreet announce the Semi-Annual Arts & Cultural District Meeting in Silver City on April 21 in Silver City to connect individuals working in the cultural economy to support their revitalization work. The meeting will bring together panelists, and experts in the creative economy who will discuss how districts can attract and support cultural entrepreneurs; help determine the assets cultural entrepreneurs look for in an area when considering a move; look at vacant and under-used buildings with potential for matching up to new cultural businesses; and ideas in growing the creative economy in an Arts & Cultural District.
“The semi-annual meeting brings together leaders in the creative economy who will share their expertise,” said Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela. “Participants will then have the opportunity to gauge the assets of their Art & Cultural Districts to further their cultural and economic work.”
The Meeting will be held on April 21 in Silver City, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Please register by April 15. Space is limited and registrations will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration does not include transportation, lodging and food. Registration is available online.
The meeting is part of New Mexico MainStreet’s broader New Mexico Arts & Cultural Districts program, established by the Legislature in 2007 as a comprehensive economic development strategy designed to capitalize on the expanding “creative economy.” The Arts & Cultural Districts Program promotes the exceptional art and history of New Mexico while assisting communities in developing their cultural and artistic resources to create dynamic and economically vibrant districts.
The Arts & Cultural Districts Program is a joint effort of three state agencies and private entities including New Mexico MainStreet, Department of Cultural Affairs divisions: New Mexico Arts and Historic Preservation, Tourism Department, and the McCune Charitable Foundation. The New Mexico Arts Commission is the state authorizer for new Arts & Cultural Districts while New Mexico MainStreet administers the program.
State-authorized Arts & Cultural Districts receive incentives such as assistance with developing cultural plans and enhanced historic tax credits for the rehabilitation of historic structures within the district. Each partner offers specialized assistance to the districts. New Mexico boasts eight state-designated Arts & Cultural Districts. The first two pilot districts were authorized in 2008, and the most recent three were added in 2014.
For more information about the Arts & Cultural District Program, please contact Rich Williams, 505-827-0168 or email Rich.Williams@state.nm.us.
A program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, New Mexico MainStreet works throughout the state to help affiliated local organizations create an economically viable business environment while preserving cultural and historic resources. New Mexico MainStreet currently serves 27 affiliated MainStreet Districts, eight state-authorized Arts & Cultural Districts, 14 Frontier Community projects, and seven Historic Theater Initiatives.
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