The State of New Mexico has nine Arts & Cultural Districts: Downtown Albuquerque, Artesia, Gallup, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Mora, Raton, and Silver City. Visit the New Mexico Arts & Cultural Districts website at nmartsandculturaldistricts.org.
Downtown Albuquerque
A blend of urban and rural, art and culture, history and modernism; every neighborhood in Albuquerque has a different flavor. The Arts and Cultural District of Downtown Albuquerque has a multitude of cultural and arts activities to enjoy — from the 12 art galleries and design studios within a half mile of Downtown, to the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History, KiMo Theatre, and independently-owned playhouses, there is something for everybody in Downtown ABQ. Visit their website: www.downtownacd.org
Artesia
From the collection of bronze statues lining the streets, to the brand new library featuring a 15 x 46 foot mural by Peter Hurd, this small town has big appeal. There is a rich tradition of arts, culture and community in Artesia. Artesia’s two impressive theaters, the Land of the Sun the Octillo form the core of an emerging downtown arts district. Visit their website: artesiaacd.com
Las Vegas
Authentic and original, Las Vegas, New Mexico boasts over 900 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the state’s largest number of Victorian homes, and the classic adobe styles of the Plaza Hotel and Old Town Plaza. The scent of juniper and pinon welcomes you to a tree-lined city that ranchers, artists and families who have lived here for hundreds of years call home.Visit their website: meadowcityarts.org
Los Alamos
Home to the famous Los Alamos National Laboratories, the Los Alamos Creative District is filled with museums, public art, and cultural activities, many with a technological focus. In fact, The Next Big Festival Day is hosted in Los Alamos every September and features the scientific heritage of Los Alamos partnered with fun, arts, food, and music. Visit their website: creativelosalamos.com
Mora
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quiet community located in a valley nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Mora speaks to times gone by with beautiful farmlands, an alpaca ranch, and a great cluster of historic buildings. By 1900, the village had grown, with unique adobe homes and ranch buildings which form the heart of the historic district. Step back in time as you visit the Mora Valley Spinning Mill to see the away that yarn has been spun for decades in this beautiful town. Visit their website: www.ourmora.org
Raton
See the history of Raton as a railroad and mining town via a walking tour covering five blocks of downtown architectural buildings and heritage, including the historic Shuler Theater (built 1915), the Old Pass Gallery (built in 1910 as the Wells Fargo Building), and the beautiful Victorian buildings of historic First Street. Visit their website: acd.ratonmainstreet.org
Silver City
Founded in 1870 as a mining town, Silver City’s rough and tumble history of Apache raids, Butch Cassidy, and Billy the Kid has segued into a blooming arts community with over 40 galleries and a community of painters, weavers, glass blowers, jewelry makers and others. The city also hosts the Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival and the Silver City Blues Festival. www.silvercitytourism.org/acd