Over the past 18 months, the University of New Mexico’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research UNM BBER), commissioned by and working in partnership with the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture, has completed a comprehensive study of Albuquerque’s creative economy. What began as preliminary conversations and brainstorming evolved into a robust, multi-step effort that included designing a meaningful survey, hosting focus groups, and conducting an in-depth analysis of the workforce and economic indicators.
This report marks the first major examination of the local creative economy since 2012-2014 and reflects the City’s commitment to understanding how creativity drives economic activity, opportunity, and community vibrancy. The findings are intended to guide policy, investment, and program decisions that will strengthen Albuquerque’s creative sector.
The study defines the creative economy as the broad ecosystem of for-profit and nonprofit creative industries, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, vendors, policymakers, and funders who generate and support creativity and distribute arts-based goods and services. At its core, the creative economy is powered by the development and application of ideas and intellectual property – value shaped by skill, talent, knowledge, expertise, and inspiration.
Dr. Shelle Sanchez, director of Arts & Culture, and Rose Rohrer, senior research scientist with UNM BBER, will share key findings during a presentation on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 9 a.m. at the Special Collections Library Botts Hall. The findings and discussion will be especially relevant for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, but this session is open to anyone with an interest in Albuquerque’s creative economy and its future.
The presentation is free to attend, but RSVPs are encouraged as space is limited. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2mwpahac.
To access the full report, visit https://bber.unm.edu/research/publications/.
The Department of Arts & Culture extends sincere appreciation to former State Senator Bill O’Neill, a steadfast champion of the arts in New Mexico, whose legislative support made this research possible and ensured it could be shared widely with the public.
In 2024, Albuquerque’s creative economy generated $1.75 billion in economic impact. Creative businesses in the metro area employed 17,682 workers, representing 4.4% of all local employment. Nearly all sectors within the creative economy have shown growth since 2019, despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.