INVESTING IN CULTURE
Visit Albuquerque awards 18 organizations $429K in grants
The arts are a driving economic factor in New Mexico. This is the reason Visit Albuquerque began the pilot Tourism Grant Program.
The program’s goal is to spark innovative ideas that contribute to Albuquerque’s vibrancy and generate creative visitor and resident experiences that benefit and grow tourism along with building community.
A total of 72 applications were submitted, collectively requesting over $1.8 million in funding. Eighteen projects were selected for their potential to help grow a more diverse and thriving tourism economy.
A total of $429,000 will be awarded to the 18 grant recipients to support their projects.
“We are proud to support these creative and impactful projects that promote Albuquerque’s unique experiences, inspire economic growth and benefit community development,” said Tania Armenta, president and CEO of Visit Albuquerque, in a statement. “These investments represent our continuous commitment to further strengthening Albuquerque’s reputation as a top destination for leisure travel, meetings and events. We are fortunate the new tourism marketing assessment funding enabled us to introduce this program, and the industry looks forward to benefiting from the efforts.”
Armenta said the program is made possible due to revenue generated by the Albuquerque Tourism Marketing District (ATMD), a coalition of approximately 150 local lodging properties that agreed to an assessment for guests on overnight stays.
Two levels of grant funding were available for the 2023 grant cycle: the Incubator level provides up to $10,000 for project implementation and the Innovator level provides up to $50,000 for project implementation (this level requires a match). The awarded projects are:
INCUBATOR LEVEL GRANTEES:
Artemis Productions — $10,000 for enhancement of Albuquerque’s Lowrider Fest.
DowntownABQ MainStreet and Arts & Cultural District — $10,000 for enhanced elements at Downtown Growers’ Market and ABQ Artwalk.
Flyby Provisions — $10,000 for enhanced Downtown pop-up events.
Homewise — $5,000 for historic walking tour and Barelas history project.
Lapis Room — $10,000 for event offerings elevating visual, performing and culinary artists of New Mexico.
New Nuevo — $10,000 for experiential tourism offerings.
Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals — $10,000 for student and youth educational tour program.
INNOVATOR LEVEL GRANTEES:
Adelante Development Center — $50,000 for durable medical equipment rental services to promote accessible tourism.
Big Jim Farms — $50,000 for expansion projects and new holiday programming.
Day of the Tread — $10,000 for inaugural “Bone Shaker” gravel grinder event.
Electric Playhouse — $50,000 for an immersive, digital experience introducing visitors to quintessential Albuquerque activities.
Friends of the Orphan Signs — $25,000 for historic sign preservation and artist opportunities.
Gathering of Nations — $25,000 for enhancements to existing signature event.
Gujrati Samaj of New Mexico — $25,000 for expansion of existing events.
Heritage Hotels & Resorts — $31,000 for signage highlighting visitor experiences in the Sawmill District, including museums.
Mariachi Spectacular — $25,000 for enhancements to existing signature event.
National Institute of Flamenco — $50,000 ($25,000 for enhancements to existing signature event and $25,000 for expansion of year-round flamenco performances).
New Mexico Wine & Grape Growers Association — $23,000 for interactive custom wine experiences.