ABQ Times

The City of Albuquerque's Department of Arts & Culture has been selected to participate in the 2025 Artists At Work (AAW) initiative. This marks the second collaboration with The FreshGrass Foundation and THE OFFICE performing arts + film, supported by the Mellow Foundation. The initiative aims to provide salaried employment, benefits, and support to artists across five urban centers, including Albuquerque.

In Albuquerque, four artists will receive salaried employment for an 18-month term from June 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026. They will work collaboratively with community members and organizational partners to address local needs. These artists will join a national cohort of 24 artists across the United States.

For more details about the program and application information, interested parties can refer to the AAW Albuquerque 2025 Info Packet and FAQs. Applications are available at https://form.jotform.com/250705347279159 and must be submitted by April 18, 2025, at 3 p.m. MDT.

"We’re committed to supporting the incredible artists and creatives that shape our city's vibrant cultural scene," stated Dr. Shelle Sanchez, director of Arts & Culture. "Partnerships like this one play a crucial role in sustaining and expanding our efforts."

The funding announced will support several initiatives:

- Artist Employment: Each artist will receive a salary of $40,000 annually (gross earnings totaling $60,000), fully employer-paid health benefits, and access to retirement benefits over an 18-month period.

- Professional Development & Wrap-Around Support for Artists: Workshops on various topics such as fundraising and financial planning will be offered alongside mentorship opportunities.

- Artistic Civic Engagement: Projects aligning with local priorities like community health disparities will be facilitated.

- Ongoing Evaluation: Surveys and data collection efforts aim to refine program design.

- Field Building & Narrative Change: Advocacy for new economic policies highlighting the value of artists as essential workers.

“Now more than ever, we must support creative programs that inspire our families and youth,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “By supporting the arts, we’re preserving our culture.”

AAW is a national workforce resilience program inspired by the Works Progress Administration. It supports artists through artistic civic engagement while addressing pressing community issues such as substance abuse and public health.