Twelve organizations across New Mexico have been selected to receive funding from the New Mexico Music Commission’s Music in the Community Grants Program for the 2026 season. The program, now in its second year, aims to support musical engagement and education in rural, tribal, veteran, disability, and other underserved communities.
The total amount of grant funding awarded is $30,000. Recipients include AfroMundo, Carrizozo Music, Inc., Cibola Arts Council, Eastern New Mexico University, Horizons of Albuquerque, IndigenousWays Festival, Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative, Inc., KMRD-96.9 FM, Manzano Mountain Art Council, San Juan Symphony, Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, and Southwest Roots Music.
Carlos Medina, chair of the commission stated: "The New Mexico Music Commission appreciates the chance to contribute to the vibrant music community within our state."
Joseph Sanchez from Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative expressed appreciation for the support. "JMEC is grateful to the New Mexico Music Commission for its generous grant. The grant will provide a live performance by Chimayo native and JMEC member Severo y Grupo Fuego during our annual meeting."
Cibola Arts Council plans to use their grant for their Day of the Dead/Ancestral Celebration with a Mariachi band in November 2025 and additional performances during the Bayanihan Filipino Cultural Extravaganza in December 2025. KMRD-96.9 FM will mark its 10th anniversary by hosting a free all-day music festival at Madrid ballpark using its grant funds.
Horizons of Albuquerque intends to expand its summer guitar program into a year-round initiative offering lessons for students from grades four through twelve. San Juan Symphony will use funding to broaden educational outreach via its “Inside the Orchestra” program that provides interactive concerts with narration by conductor Thomas Heuser for area fourth graders.
More information about all recipient organizations and their projects can be found at https://newmexicomusic.org/grantawardees/.
The New Mexico Music Commission is a governor-appointed body that works to protect and promote musical traditions throughout New Mexico. It operates under New Mexico Arts—a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs—and represents various aspects of the state’s diverse music industry. Further details about the grants program are available at https://newmexicomusic.org/.
