New Mexico State Senate Honors Folk Art Market

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Posted by: Folk Art Market

Reflections from Culture Day: Arts, Culture, and Economic Development

From left to right:  JoAnn Balzer, Board Member; Charlene Cerny, Co-Founder and Executive Director; Charmay Allred, Co-Founder and Board Member; Senator Nancy Rodriguez; Carol Robertson Lopez, Board Member; Judy Espinar, Co-Founder and Creative Director

Each year during the New Mexico legislative session, one day is designated Culture Day: an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural resources we have throughout the state. This year, it was February 15th, and the Rotunda of the State capitol was full of engaging exhibits from each of the museums, state monuments, libraries, arts and preservation programs. 

As part of Culture Day, Senator Nancy Rodriguez read a proclamation on the Senate Floor honoring the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. 

Other senators including Dede Feldman, Peter Wirth, Carlos Cisneros, Richard Martinez, and Mary Jane Garcia all spoke about the value of the Folk Art Market to our state – not only the cultural diversity and global perspective it brings, but the value of the tourist dollars as well.

Last year, the Market generated an estimated $15.7 million through tax revenue and spending by visitors and by the Market itself through fees for services and payroll.  Artists’ sales alone, close to $2 million over two days, generated $152,290 in GRT paid directly to the State.

> Download the full proclamation (.pdf)

The many benefits of culture

We are fortunate to live in a state with a diverse cultural heritage and a willingness to educate our children and families about our past and to showcase different cultural traditions.  These also bring tourism and tourism dollars to our communities.

Despite budget cuts, the arts and cultural resources remain strong in our state.  These are our best assets as they reflect our heritage and history, they keep us connected to our past and help us plan for our future. 

We at the Market are fortunate to partner with a world-class museum - the Museum of International Folk Art - to share with audiences not only the rich heritage of our state, but also the vibrant cultural traditions of others around the world.

We are making a difference in the lives of New Mexicans as well as those worldwide by hosting the Folk Art Market as an international gathering that inspires us and connects us to rich cultural traditions around the world, and also brings revenues and tax dollars to our state.