3D-printed ice cream cone and Oreo cookie storage boxes, laser-cut wood carving and personalized laser-engraved cutting board are a few of the many fabricated products showcased by Los Alamos Makers at last year’s Science Fest. Courtesy photo
Los Alamos Makers News:
- Sponsored by New Mexico Creative Industries Division to strengthen creative industry clusters and diversify the state economy
Los Alamos Makers launched today, Feb. 23, its new Creative Workforce Development Program, a hands-on training initiative designed to expand economic opportunity within New Mexico’s creative industry sector.
The program is sponsored by the New Mexico Creative Industries Division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) to support statewide efforts to diversify New Mexico’s economy through creative entrepreneurship, small-scale manufacturing, and workforce skill development.
The Creative Workforce Development Program equips artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs with the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to move from concept to production.
Participants learn to connect digital design tools—such as Adobe Illustrator and Blender—to advanced fabrication technologies, including laser cutters, 3D printers, embroidery systems, and sublimation equipment. The focus is on developing practical, transferable skills that enable creatives to prototype products, produce small-batch goods locally, and build sustainable creative enterprises.
By strengthening design-to-production capabilities, the program directly supports the growth of creative industry clusters where art, design, media, and technology converge. Participants gain not only technical proficiency but also business-readiness training, including branding development and market entry support.
“Los Alamos Makers is an important partner in nurturing local talent and connecting creativity with entrepreneurship,” Los Alamos Makers Founder Prisca Tiasse said. “Our hands-on, cross-disciplinary approach—integrating design, fabrication, media arts, and innovation— opens new pathways for residents to transform creative skills into viable careers and businesses. As a recognized hub for creative learning and technical experimentation, Los Alamos Makers is uniquely positioned to lead this workforce development effort.”
The initiative also reinforces the broader regional identity of Los Alamos County as a place where science, technology, and creativity intersect.
“This initiative will help advance Los Alamos County’s identity as both a center for scientific innovation and a destination for creative enterprise,” Tiasse added.
Through collaborations with regional and community partners supporting entrepreneurs, participants will access commercialization pathways that connect creative production to local markets and exhibition platforms.
The program is open to curious, emerging and established creatives across Northern New Mexico. Applicants outside of Los Alamos are strongly encouraged. No prior fabrication experience is required. Participation is free and limited subsidized access opportunities are available to ensure broad and equitable access to fabrication tools and equipment.
Applications are now available on this link and will be reviewed on a rolling basis, until the first week of April 2026. Space is limited, so early applications are encouraged.
For more information, visit LosAlamosMakers.org.