DPNM News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed an innovative new proposal into law that will spur the growth of New Mexico’s creative industries and diversify the state’s economy.

House Bill 8, sponsored by House Majority Whip Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces), and Rep. Janelle Anyanonu (D-Albuquerque), would establish a Creative Industries Division within the Economic Development Department (EDD).

This new division would support the full breadth of creative industries in the state, including traditional New Mexico crafts, visual and literary arts, software development, theater and entertainment, architecture, music, dance, culinary arts, and more.

“Art, culture, and creativity are at the heart of what makes our state so special,” Whip Szczepanski said. “The new Creative Industries Division will embrace the incredible opportunities presented by New Mexico’s artists and innovators, creating greater entrepreneurial possibilities for local talent and bringing greater economic benefits for the state.”

The Creative Industries Division established by HB 8 will expand economic opportunities offered by local creative industries, help local artists reach new markets and train the next generation of New Mexico creative entrepreneurs to help sustain and grow these industries. Specific investments would include infrastructure for shared facilities like maker spaces, manufacturing facilities, foundries and gallery space, as well as entrepreneur training, workforce development and national marketing.

HB 8 also requires that at least 50 percent of funding appropriated from the Division be distributed to rural and underserved communities.

The proposal builds on the successful economic development model of the Outdoor Recreation Division established in 2019.