The New Mexico Arts Commission and the New Mexico Arts Division are seeking nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards for

Excellence in the Arts.

Each year, the Governor recognizes the extraordinary contributions individuals and organizations make to the arts in New Mexico. The Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts were established in 1974 by then Governor Bruce King and First Lady Alice King to celebrate the significance of the arts to the State of New Mexico. For over five decades, the Governor has acknowledged the extraordinary achievements and contributions of a prominent and diverse group of New Mexico artists, arts organizations, and arts supporters.


Nominations for the awards are accepted each year from interested New Mexicans. Nominations may be made by any New Mexico resident except for New Mexico Arts Commissioners, New Mexico Arts Division staff, and staff in the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

This year’s awardees will be honored at a ceremony on October 15, 2026, in the historic St. Francis Auditorium at the New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe along with an exhibition in the Governor’s Gallery at the New Mexico State Capitol.

Learn more HERE

Complete a nomination form HERE

ANNOUNCING! > 2026 Poetry Ourselves New Mexico is a statewide original poetry competition for students in grades 9-12. This is a free opportunity for students to share their written poetry.

Students are encouraged to submit one original poem, typed and no longer than 50 lines. Poems may focus on any topic, but students should remember that winning entries may be presented to the public. This creative writing competition does not require a performance or recitation.

The following awards will be made at the Judge’s discretion; (1) Award of Creative Excellence, (3-5) Awards of Creative Merit. Award recipients will receive Poetry Ourselves award certificates, recognition at Poetry Out Loud State Finals event in Albuquerque on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Poetry Ourselves New Mexico compliments the New Mexico Poetry Out Loud recitation program enhancing opportunities for students to study and perform masterworks of poetry.

No cost to submit. One poem only - make it your best!

Online submission of poem and entry form are due January 26, 2026

Visit https://nmarts.org/all-programs/poetry-out-loud/ for details or contact Kevin.lenkner@dca.nm.gov

Congratulations! These organizations have been selected to receive

FY26 Arts & The Military Mini Grants.

About The Mini Grant Program:

The $2,500 Mini Grants program assists organizations creating and expanding arts programming for military connected participants via a streamlined granting process. Mini Grants can also be used to build organizational capacity towards the goal of creating and expanding opportunities for veterans and active-duty service members to engage in the arts. Non-Arts organizations and organizations receiving New Mexico Arts funding in other grant programs can also apply (FALL 2026) for this New Mexico Arts and the Military Grant opportunity.

About the Arts & The Military Initiative

The Arts & The Military Initiative is deeply rooted in New Mexico Arts’ mission to ensure the arts are central to the lives of New Mexicans. Meaningful engagements with the arts improve the health, well-being and quality of life for military connected participants. New Mexico Arts seeks to empower, equip and energize partnerships with organizations that are responsive to the unique experiences and needs of military veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, their families and caregivers, and others.

For more information, contact Arts & The Military Coordinator, Kevin Lenkner at 505-412-5791 or via email kevin.lenkner@dca.nm.gov

Announcing the Ghost Ranch Conservation Plan

- a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect an iconic

New Mexico landscape.

The plan will preserve the landscapes and vistas surrounding Ghost Ranch’s main facilities near Abiquiú through a conservation easement with the State of New Mexico. It will help protect pristine land, water and wildlife habitat from the threat of development while preserving traditional ranching practices.

It will also ensure sustainable operations for Ghost Ranch’s educational programs for years to come.

This effort is being made possible by the National Heritage Conservation Act (NHCA) and the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund under the leadership of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham & the state’s Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department. Ghost Ranch is also grateful for the support of the Presbyterian Foundation (@pcusafoundation), which holds title to the land and has supported this conservation effort.

Go to ghostranchconservation.org and learn more.



Prospectus #287 NM State University - Devasthali Hall – Public Art Commission, Las Vegas, NM 



The Art in Public Places Program of New Mexico Arts and the Local Selection Committee (LSC) of New Mexico State University (NMSU) seek to commission an artist/artist team to create and install site-specific artwork for one of two designated exterior installation areas at Devasthali Hall on NMSU’s campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Seeking a statement artwork that screams ART! – Contemporary/Experimental/non-traditional, expressions of the cultural identity of the Borderplex region, interpretations of place, capture the spirit of the community, and/or the interdisciplinary & intercultural exploration brimming within these walls. A head-turning artwork that draws people from across the campus and community to celebrate and join the heritage and history of iconic artists with ties to NMSU and the area such as Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Wendy Red Star, Sol LeWitt, and others. Looking for a landmark artwork to draw visitors to the Art Museum and Art Department at Devasthali Hall; vibrant, awe-inspiring, a beacon for those seeking deep exploration and discourse in various platforms of artistic engagement. Audience of this space includes students, faculty, visitors, and the greater community.

Entry Deadline: 1/30/26

A new sculpture (Blind Faith) by Hector Ortega was installed at the Santa Fe Regional Airport this December.

Ortega named this piece “Blind Faith” in honor of the artistic process—at the time he made it, this was the largest-scale work he had done.

This sculpture was purchased by New Mexico Arts and installed in partnership with The City of Santa Fe (@santafegov), The Santa Fe Arts & Culture Department (@santafeartsandculture), and Fly Santa Fe (@iflysantafe.)

Watch the installation here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSDLpUzka2b/



Hector Manuel Ortega - Blind Faith - Corten Steel - 186 x 66 x 54 in

Artist, Julianna Kirwin, installed her piece, “Tierra o Muerte” at Eastern New Mexico University in Roswell. This artwork was funded by the Art in Public Places program, New Mexico Arts, Department of Cultural Affairs.

"Neheb Ka", a fired clay unique sculpture by Sara D'Alessandro is installed outside at the entrance to the new Critical Care Building on the UNMH campus in Albuquerque, NM. This sculpture is one of eight sculptures recently installed on the grounds of the new building. "Neheb Ka" is distinct as it is the only sculpture of organic form in the collection. The landscaping between the new building and the garage is refreshing, generous and a surprise; so is the art collection presented around the lobby in the interior. This ambitious project is worthy of a visit to the site and perusal by the curious.  

Funded by the Art in Public Places program, New Mexico Arts, Department of Cultural Affairs.

Zuni Fair Building Opening: Pueblo of Zuni

The Pueblo of Zuni hosted a grand opening for their new Zuni Fair Building, welcoming Deputy Secretary Aurora Valdez and other Indian Affairs Department staff to join in the celebration. This beautiful facility was built with support from State Capital Outlay and Tribal Infrastructure Funds, including funding championed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, alongside contributions from the Pueblo of Zuni.

This milestone project will serve as a vital hub for community gatherings, cultural events, and essential services that strengthen the well-being of families and support the Pueblo’s vision for future generations.

Governor Arden Kucate offered his blessings during the ceremony, which also featured remarks from tribal leadership and state officials. Deputy Secretary Valdez shared the importance of this achievement, noting that investments like the Zuni Fair Building reflect the State’s commitment to honoring tribal priorities, preserving cultural traditions, and supporting economic and community development.

Fifteen artists were acquired through the Art in Public Places process for the building including Christopher, Natachu, Deldrick Cellicion, Douglas Martza, Eileen Yatsattie, Edward W. Wemytewa, Eldred Martinez, Georgean Hughte, Jonathan Dewa, Justin Natewa, Keith Edaakie, Lakin Espaloose, Leanne Lee, Levon Loncassion (@loncassion), Mackenzie A. Cheama (@xgentsmcflyx), and Terrance B. Smith. 

Calling all poets! The statewide poetry contest is back with more age categories and an exciting new theme connected to the 250^th celebration of United States Independence. New Mexico. We are asking our poets to reflect on New Mexico’s uniqueness and be inspired by the artwork of our divisions. Contest is open to New Mexico residents aged 9 to 99.

Visit nmculture.org/poetry for rules, resources, and the link to submit.

The Creative Forces Community Engagement Grants are available to nonprofit organizations and state/local/tribal government entities that have at least three-years' experience in presenting/producing arts-based projects and/or programming for military communities.

Successful applicants have included:

• Arts nonprofits with a mission that focuses on serving military communities
• Performing arts nonprofits (theaters, dance companies, musical groups) looking to expand their mission to include programming for military communities
• Military and veteran-serving nonprofits expanding their services to include the arts
• Municipal and regional arts centers expanding and designing course offerings for military communities
• Community radio stations
• Universities that include community engagement in their arts, health, and military programming

This grant program, a partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), aims to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for military-connected populations through cost-sharing grants of $10,000 to $25,000 for emerging and advanced arts engagement projects. The program funds arts initiatives that encourage creativity, build social connections, improve resilience, and help smooth the transition to civilian life.

Deadline: January 15, 2026

Art of Conservation New Mexico Fish Art Contest

New Mexico students in grades K-12 are invited to take part in the Art of Conservation New Mexico Fish Art Contest, sponsored by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in conjunction with Wildlife Forever.

Participants can use their creative talents to highlight the beauty and importance of these aquatic species, fostering a deeper appreciation for New Mexico’s natural resources. Art serves as a powerful means of expressing the significance of fish conservation, inspiring others to protect these creatures and the habitats they call home. Young artists can vie for first, second and third prizes in four grade categories: K-3; 4-6; 7-9; and 10-12.

Entry Deadline: January 31, 2026

Entries are now open for Farmington's 2026–2027

Art in the Heart Downtown Sculpture Exhibit.

Pictured is “Longevity Turtle” by Anesah Jo Clark. Courtesy City of Farmington

The City of Farmington announced that entries are now being accepted for the 2026–2027 Art in the Heart Downtown Sculpture Exhibit. Entering its fourth year, this growing public art initiative continues to enliven Historic Downtown Farmington and celebrate the creativity of artists from New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Utah.

Strata Gallery invites submissions for Stratas of New Mexico Art 2026, an exhibition honoring the expansive creative vision of artists living and working in New Mexico. This exhibition seeks to illuminate the layered and multifaceted nature of the state’s artistic community, offering a platform for works that embody its vitality and unique character.

Through this open call, they aim to bring together a dynamic range of artistic practices, from the intimate to the monumental, the traditional to the experimental. By highlighting both emerging and established voices, Stratas of New Mexico Art celebrates the boundless expressions of creativity that define New Mexico’s cultural identity.

All media is welcome, including but not limited to: painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, textiles, mixed media, etc.

Please note: All artwork must be dropped off in person on the designated date and time. All artwork must be picked up in person at the end of the exhibition on the designated date and time. No shipped artwork allowed.

Stratas of New Mexico Art 2026 is a juried exhibition held at Strata Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Entry Deadline: 2/1/26 

The exhibition will run from April 7 - April 24, 2026.

Complete Guide to FREE Artist Grants and Opportunities in 2026

All the best artist grants, residencies, and open calls for 2026.

All of these calls are FREE to apply!

Click Here For More Information