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Arts and Culture seeks added staff, increased cultural investment and public-art projects in FY26
Summary
Arts and Culture Director Chelsea Johnson presented the department's FY26 priorities, asking for one new full-time staffer, expanded cultural investment funding for nonprofits, work to reinvigorate domestic UNESCO creative-city programming, and an expanded Art in Public Places program including airport and Midtown initiatives.
Chelsea Johnson, Director of Arts and Culture for the City of Santa Fe, presented the Arts and Culture FY26 budget to the Finance Committee on March 4, asking for staff additions, expanded cultural-investment grants and renewed emphasis on public art and the city's UNESCO Creative City designation.
Johnson said the department's programs support local artists, nonprofit arts organizations, cultural tourism and public engagement. "Our mission is to provide leadership by and for the city to support arts and cultural affairs," she said, and described priorities including a sixth staff position to streamline operations and more funding for marketing and sponsorships to help local arts groups.
Why it matters: Arts and culture are a central part of Santa Fe's identity and economy. The department said it will use the UNESCO Creative City status to strengthen heritage-arts programming, expand exhibitions at the Community Gallery and accelerate public-art work including murals and airport installations.
Key items and budget effects - Staffing: The department plans to hire a sixth full-time staffer; Johnson said the FY26 submission used conservative figures while the department would bridge remaining FY26 needs from lodgers-tax revenue if the position is approved. - Cultural investment and sponsorships: The budget increases funds for marketing grants and sponsor support to nonprofit arts groups and to community exhibition programming. - Art in Public Places and Midtown: The department plans airport sculpture pads and additional mural and placemaking projects; the department has started discussions on mural policy, lifespans and maintenance plans.
Committee discussion Councilors asked about district-level funding for small projects, mural policy and partnerships with the metropolitan planning organization and other funding sources. Johnson said the department will pursue grant opportunities and coordinate with public-works and planning staff on pavements, roundabouts and other site-based projects.
Action The committee approved the Arts and Culture FY26 budget during the meeting by roll call vote. Councilors and staff asked the department to share exhibition schedules and to proceed with district art funding and airport sculpture planning.
Ending Johnson said programming for the UNESCO anniversary year will include free community workshops, exhibitions and partnerships to feature heritage and craft artists alongside contemporary practitioners.
