The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs is set to request a $49.7 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, marking a 4.1% increase from the current funding level. This proposal will be presented to state lawmakers during the 30-day legislative session. The department's presentation is scheduled for November 20 at 8:30 a.m. in Room 307 of the State Capitol before the Legislative Finance Committee.
Cultural Affairs Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego said, "Our budget request reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the cultural resources that serve communities statewide." She emphasized that the budget represents a fiscally responsible approach aimed at maintaining stable operations and ensuring continued benefits from museums, historic sites, libraries, and cultural institutions across New Mexico.
The Fiscal Year 2027 budget request includes several key allocations. Among them is a $1.5 million transfer from the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund to support statewide historic preservation grants through the Cultural Properties Restoration Fund. Additionally, there is a projected $900,000 transfer from the Rural Libraries Endowment Fund intended for grant administration via the New Mexico State Library.
Nonrecurring requests feature various initiatives such as $250,000 for developing a master plan for Fort Stanton Historic Site and another $250,000 to facilitate an application to UNESCO for nominating New Mexico as part of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro's World Heritage designation. Other notable requests include $200,000 for a partnership with the Creative Industries Division under the Rural Arts Initiative and $600,000 to acquire fossils from San Juan Basin currently held by the State Museum of Pennsylvania.
Further allocations include $850,000 earmarked for programming and marketing in celebration of the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s 25th Anniversary and $1.5 million dedicated to advancing compliance activities related to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. An additional $500,000 is requested for expanding the Archaeological Field School.
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