Members Of N.M. Delegation Welcome $1.2 Million In American Rescue Plan Funding To Support Tribal, Creative Economies Across New Mexico

WASHINGTON (Jan. 27, 2022) – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) are welcoming $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Funding will go to 11 Tribal and creative organizations in New Mexico to help support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Mexico congressional Democrats fought for this critical relief funding in the American Rescue Plan that has allowed New Mexico’s Tribal and creative economies to survive and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“New Mexico’s Tribal arts and cultural communities are the beating heart of our state’s creative economy,” said Heinrich. “After two very challenging years, the investments that Democrats passed in the American Rescue Plan are building the foundation for an incredibly robust economic recovery.”

“New Mexico has a long history of visionary artists,” said Luján. “From the rich tradition of Indigenous visual and performance arts, to Hispanic artistry, to Georgia O’Keeffe and the birth of American Modernism, New Mexico has always been a hub of diverse cultures and creativity. That’s why I’m proud to have supported these NEA grants, which will provide $1.2 million to further grow our state’s vibrant tradition in the arts, while building up our communities in the process.”

“The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on our artists across my district and our beautiful and beautifully diverse state. Our creative economy has suffered, and our artists, who make our communities vibrant, need our support to successfully recover from the pandemic. I am happy to see these critical funds awarded to our state to provide opportunities for creatives to get back to their great work!” said Leger Fernández. 

“New Mexico's cultural traditions and institutions are integral to our economy and who we are. I am grateful that the American Rescue Plan is continuing to invest in our cultural institutions and their recovery, including the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, National Institute of Flamenco, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, and Working Classroom,” said Stansbury. “These investments are crucial to helping our creative industries recover, thrive, and carry our traditions forward for generations to come.”

NEA is awarding funding to the following:

• $150,000 to the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association
• $10,000 to the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts
• $150,000 to the National Institute of Flamenco
• $150,000 to the Pueblo of Pojoaque, New Mexico
• $150,000 to the Working Classroom, Inc. $100,000 to Indigenousways
• $100,000 to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Inc.
• $100,000 to Wise Fool New Mexico
• $50,000 to gallupARTS Inc.
• $50,000 to Parallel Studios Inc
• $50,000 to Zoeglossia Inc.