Sparking curiosity and fostering musical understanding are among the goals of 12 organizations that have received funding from the New Mexico Music Commission's Music in the Community Grants Program. The commission has announced the awardees for the 2026 season, with a total of $30,000 distributed among them.
"The New Mexico Music Commission appreciates the chance to contribute to the vibrant music community within our state," said commission chair Carlos Medina. The grant program, now in its second year, aims to enrich rural, tribal, veteran, disability, and other underserved communities by supporting various music-related activities.
The 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.
Joseph Sanchez from Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative expressed gratitude for the grant: "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 funds for hosting a Mariachi band at their Day of the Dead/Ancestral Celebration in November 2025 and for performances during the Bayanihan Filipino Cultural Extravaganza in December 2025. KMRD-96.9 FM will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a free all-day music festival next summer.
Horizons of Albuquerque intends to expand their summer guitar program into a year-round initiative offering lessons to students from grades 4 through 12. The San Juan Symphony will enhance educational outreach with its "Inside the Orchestra" program for area fourth graders.
For more information on all recipient organizations and their projects visit newmexicomusic.org/grantawardees/.
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