Debra Garcia y Griego, Cabinet Secretary for Department of Cultural Affairs | americansforthearts.org
The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs plans to request $49.7 million for its general fund in the next legislative session, which would be a 4.1% increase from its current budget. The department is scheduled to present this proposal to the Legislative Finance Committee on November 20 at the State Capitol.
Cultural Affairs Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego stated, "Our budget request reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the cultural resources that serve communities statewide." She added, "The Department of Cultural Affairs budget request represents a fiscally responsible approach that positions us to maintain stable operations and ensure that New Mexicans continue to benefit from the museums, historic sites, libraries, and cultural institutions that define our shared heritage."
The proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes several targeted allocations. These include a $1.5 million transfer from the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund to support statewide historic preservation grants through the Cultural Properties Restoration Fund and an estimated $900,000 transfer from the Rural Libraries Endowment Fund for grant administration via the New Mexico State Library.
There are also nonrecurring funding requests such as $250,000 for developing a master plan at Fort Stanton Historic Site and another $250,000 for preparing a UNESCO portfolio application related to El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro’s World Heritage designation. Additional one-time requests include $200,000 for a Rural Arts Initiative in partnership with the Economic Development Department’s Creative Industries Division; $600,000 to acquire San Juan Basin fossils currently housed at the State Museum of Pennsylvania; and $850,000 allocated toward programming and marketing for the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s 25th anniversary.
Further requested funds comprise $1.5 million dedicated to advancing compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act as well as $500,000 intended for expanding archaeological field school programs.
