STATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE — To launch the statewide celebration of the New Mexico Year of the Arts in Education, the official kickoff event will be held at the New Mexico State Fair EXPO in Albuquerque during the School Arts Exhibition Preview Night and Awards Ceremony, organized by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED), from 6–8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 in the School Arts Building, on Heritage Ave. west of Main St. This free public event will feature an actor’s dramatic reading of the proclamation, students’ artwork, music, and dance performances from schools around the state, and special recognitions.
The New Mexico Year of the Arts in Education will continue throughout the 2025–2026 school year with statewide showcases, festivals, and professional learning opportunities. A calendar of events will be posted at the New Mexico Advisory Council on Arts Education website https://artsednm.org/year-of-the-arts-in-education/.
Examples 2025-2026 NM Events:
- NM Scholastic Art Awards
- New Mexico Music Education Association (NMMEA): State Marching Band Contest, All-State Music Festival & In-Service Conference, Jazz All-State, the State Choir Contest, and the State Concert Band Contest
- New Mexico Thespian Chapter: New Mexico Thespian Festival
- Eastern New Mexico University: ENMU Drama Festival
- New Mexico High School Musical Theatre Awards: Enchantment Awards
Examples of Teacher Professional Development Opportunities for the 2025-2026 School Year:
- New Mexico Art Education Association: The 54th annual statewide Professional Development Conference for Art Educators K-12 in public, charter, and private schools, and for Higher Education, Pre-Service, and Museum Educators is taking place in Santa Fe, October 16-19, 2025. The event will feature keynote addresses, guest speakers, lectures, and hands-on studio workshops focused on best practices and instructional strategies for visual art, media art, and design programs. The Call for Proposals and Professional Awards Nominations are currently open. www.newmexicoarteducators.org/
- The New Mexico Public Education Department and the Santa Fe Opera are launching a free, nine-session virtual professional development series focused on integrating the arts into English Language Arts and Social Studies. Sessions will feature hands-on strategies in music, visual arts, writing, and more. Educators from all grade levels and content areas are welcome. More information will be available on the NMPED Social Studies webpage.