Santa Fe, N.M. (KKOB) — Artists and entrepreneurs from across New Mexico joined Representative Reena Szczepanski and Senator Jeff Steinborn in support of House Bill 8 Thursday. The legislation would establish a Division of Creative Industries within the State Economic Development Department. Its goal would be to support the growth of economic opportunities for creative industries outside of film. Following a similar model as the Division of Outdoor Recreation established in 2019, the new division would spur job creation and local economic growth by providing grants, workforce training, and business consultation to professionals and entrepreneurs in creative fields. 50% of funding would be distributed to rural and underserved communities. The proposed operating budget is $2 million with a one-time appropriation of $67 million from the general fund to provide a funding pool to make ongoing targeted investments.
