Local governments, municipalities, Tribal Nations and Pueblo governments across New Mexico can now apply for a new state-backed creative industries initiative designed to help communities build arts and cultural economy projects before competing for formal grant funding this fall.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Cabinet Secretary Rob Black
Deputy Cabinet Secretary Isaac Romero
Creative Industries Director Shani Harvie
Contact: Chris Chaffin
Chris.Chaffin@edd.nm.gov
(505) 490-7962
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 2, 2026
Call for creative industries’ public development projects
SANTA FE — Local governments, municipalities, Tribal Nations and Pueblo governments across New Mexico can now apply for a new state-backed creative industries initiative designed to help communities build arts and cultural economy projects before competing for formal grant funding this fall.
The pre-application window runs March 2 through June 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. MST. Eligible applicants include local governments, counties, municipalities, Tribal Nations Pueblo governments and state agencies, with a preference given to rural communities.
The project development phase is intended to provide space for communities to design thoughtful, strategic initiatives in advance of a formal grant application process. Public entities are invited to submit high-level project narratives outlining potential projects.
“Communities need time to build strong projects,” said New Mexico Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “This approach gives public partners a chance to build compelling projects before diving into the formal funding process.”
Creative Industries Division Director Shani Harvie emphasized that the concept phase supports stronger long-term outcomes. “We know from our statewide study and prior funding rounds that communities have strong ideas,” said Harvie. “This phase creates space for local and Tribal governments to refine those ideas, build partnerships, project realistic budgets and match commitments before submitting a full application.”
For more information about the program, including application, program guidelines and requirements, please visit the Creative Industries Division Grant webpage at edd.newmexico.gov/cid-grants
Government entities must submit to the pre-application phase to be eligible for the grant funding round in Fall 2026.
Local governments and Tribal entities are also encouraged to participate in regional NM CreativeCon events taking place between March and June. CreativeCon provides an opportunity to connect with potential project partners, engage directly with the creative business community and hear from other communities that have successfully developed and implemented creative industries initiatives. Learn more about the 2026 NM CreativeCon at edd.newmexico.gov/creativecon.
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