The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture has finalized a new partnership with the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy (ASLA) to revitalize a vacant building located at 4904 4th NW. Once home to the North Fourth Art Center, this venue has been unused since January. With the recent approval of a lease agreement by City Council, the facility will soon be transformed into a vibrant space serving both the academy’s students and the local community.
“We are enthusiastic to see this facility brought back to life as a creative hub, bringing new energy and passion into the North Valley area,” said Arts & Culture Director Dr. Shelle Sanchez. “It’s always great to see partnerships like this one come together to meet the needs of and serve our communities.”
“The academy is an incredible resource for our state that deserves the space and opportunity to grow,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This inclusive environment of creativity and innovation will empower students and educators, and the surrounding community.”
The ASLA, a unique public charter school that integrates deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students into one learning environment, has been active in the community for 15 years. This new venture marks an important milestone in their growth as the organization continues to expand and offer innovative educational opportunities. The building will house classrooms and state-of-the-art facilities for both visual and performing arts, in addition to a small theater.
“We are excited to be partnering with the City of Albuquerque and for the opportunity to revitalize both the facility and the North 4th Corridor. We look forward to connecting our students, individuals with disabilities, and the greater community in this beautiful space,” said Rafe Martinez, executive director of ASLA.
The collaboration reflects a shared vision between ASLA and the City to support arts, community involvement, and education. Once renovations are complete, the building will serve dual purposes in offering both school programs and public arts initiatives.
