House Passes Bill to Grow New Mexico’s Creative Industries
Establishes Creative Industries Division in EDD to support artists and diversify state economy
Santa Fe, NM - An innovative new proposal to spur the growth of New Mexico’s creative industries and diversify the state’s economy passed the House of Representatives tonight with a bipartisan vote of 56-10.
House Bill 8, sponsored by House Majority Whip Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces), and 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 and video game design, theater and entertainment, architecture, music, dance, culinary arts, and more.
Recognizing the high concentration of professional artists and artisans that live in New Mexico’s rural communities and their huge potential for economic growth, HB 8 requires that at least 50% of funding appropriated from the Division would be distributed to rural and underserved communities.
“By investing in the heart and soul of New Mexico, we can unleash the enormous economic potential of our creative industries and bring needed diversification to our economy,” said Whip Szczepanski. “From Santa Rosa to Silver City, our state is already an epicenter of design, innovation, and creativity. Ensuring that our creative businesses can thrive will strengthen the economy of our state in a way that aligns with our core New Mexico values and history.”
The Creative Industries Division established by HB 8 would expand economic opportunities offered by our creative industries, help our 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, national marketing, and expansion assistance for individual businesses.
The proposal would build on the successful economic development model of the Outdoor Recreation Division established in 2019.
“With the House of Representatives passage of House Bill 8 we’re one step closer to maximizing the full potential of New Mexico’s vibrant arts and cultural resources,” said Sen. Steinborn. “A new Creative Industries Division would support our creative entrepreneurs and businesses, while enhancing the workforce and community infrastructure to grow these jobs.”
Funding for this new division is included in the House budget (House Bill 2). House Bill 8 will now move to the Senate for consideration.
The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2023 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.
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