PLANNING HIGHLIGHTS

Culture and Commerce – a Fund for Folk Culture Project

In 1999, NCNMEDD received a grant from the Fund for Folk Culture to partner with New Mexico CultureNet, a non-profit arts and culture organization.   A number of similar grants were made to create partnerships between regional development organizations and arts organizations.  A subsequent publication, “Culture and Commerce: Traditional Arts in Economic Development,” by the Urban Institute and the Fund for Folk Culture describes the outcomes. 

As recounted in the report, NCNMEDD and CultureNet worked with the Palace of the Governors and the Vendors’ Committee to expand internet sales of Native American art and craft.  The Vendors’ Committee establishes and enforces criteria for sales directly to the public from blankets spread under the Portal of the Palace on the Plaza in Santa Fe.  They provided a link to artisans.  The Museum provided space and support for the vendors.  CultureNet provided internet training to vendors, designed a website for sales and information, took digital photos for website and other uses and eventually even paid for a dedicated phone line for a computer in the Museum.  NCNMEDD served as fiscal agent and provided a link to the New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs, which was able to provide some later funding.

The report highlights key reasons why traditional areas are important in economic development:  1) Active cultural participation can build strong communities; 2) strengthening cultural communities creates economic value; and 3) the value created by cultural production can be harnessed for regional growth.

The report urged continued cooperation among arts organizations, artists and regional development organizations.   Northern New Mexico communities recognize the value of culture and tradition for them selves and for potential visitors.  As noted in the report, careful alignment of community expectations of economic benefit and cultural values is essential.  Also critical is the provision of business assistance to artists and performers who may be in need.  Finally, the report noted that arts and culture may not provide “jobs” in the sense that government agencies want to measure.  Arts and culture do, however, provide income and may be a source of regional regeneration, particularly in the poorest communities.

A copy of the report may be downloaded from the Fund for Folk Culture website, www.folkculture.org.

North Central NM Economic Development District, District 2
P.O. Box 5115 Santa Fe, NM 87502
Phone: 866-699-4927, 505-827-7313 Fax: 505-827-7414
Tim Armer, Executive Director