Doña Ana County has fostered an inspiring addition to its economic ecosystem with the establishment of its Creative Industries Department. Taking off in 2024, their first major initiative didn't just tiptoe onto the scene, it made quite the entrance, featuring a comprehensive project spotlighting the role of creatives in economic development.
Partnered with the state's Economic Development Department and the new Creative Industries Division, the department launched a series of workshops and training initiatives, catering to the enlightening discourse on public art and creative industries within the county. Irene Oliver Lewis, a prominent artistic director in the area, took the helm at some of these workshops, guiding attendees through the intricacies of local creative industries. Meanwhile, the final workshop delved into "Art in the eye of the beholder," as Mike Young, an artist and lead writer for Creative Startup, shared insights from a pivotal Creative Industries Division study intended to inform future strategies.
As part of their mission to integrate creativity into the county's economic fabric, Denisse Carter, the Economic Development Administrator, and Creative Industries Project Manager, along with her team, rolled out resources to bolster support for the creative sectors. A significant feat was the launch of the Doña Ana County Creative Industries website, which showcases a digital tour of public artworks housed at the Government Center, including pieces from local elementary students. A more expansive digital documentary and a virtual tour will soon accompany this, along with a comprehensive public art brochure to boot.
The efforts in Doña Ana County aren't going unnoticed. The New Mexico Creative Industries Division highlighted the project in their January newsletter, acknowledging the substantial impact made in such a short time. According to Doña Ana County, in 2024, the project "employed 57 creatives, engaged 8 organizational participants, and trained 20 staff participants," painting a vivid picture of the growing synergy between art and economic growth in the area.
