New Mexico: The Arts Trails Program

High Road Artisans Tour and Trail logo

The Arts Trails Program is a place based art and economic development initiative by New Mexico Arts designed to put New Mexico artists on the map and widen markets for local artisans and creative enterprises. The state arts agency provides funding for community based arts, bringing recognition and beneficial economic development to rural areas rich in artistic traditions and expressions. Some of the goals of the program include promoting arts based tourism, stimulating year-round local economic activity in communities (especially in rural areas) and increasing New Mexicans’ awareness of their impact on the income of rural artists.

The program offers support to eligible projects with start-up funds for new trails and development and promotion or expansion of programming around existing trails. The pilot arts trail, New Mexico Fiber Arts Trail, was developed in 2006 and 2007 and focused on fiber artists and textile related activities. Ancient Way Arts Trail, Artistic Vistas and Treasures, and Southwest New Mexico Clay Arts Trail are examples of trails that have received support under this program. Most recently, New Mexico Arts is funding a new trail, High Road Art Trail, as an addition to the 2019 High Road Artisans Studio Tour. This project offers a free app offering year-round access to many of the artists and experiences found on the High Road Art Trail. In addition to providing grant funding, New Mexico Arts and the state’s Department of Cultural Affairs support trail development through technical assistance advice, print ads and rack cards. For more information on the initiative and eligibility details, contact New Mexico Arts Acting Executive Director Jenice Gharib.