Jun
10
2026
From informative panels to dynamic conversations on public-private partnerships, this year’s NM CreativeCon sparked meaningful connections across the board. As a New Mexico-based company, we were thrilled to join the statewide creative community at the National Hispanic Cultural Center this summer to share, learn, and collaborate on the future of our local creative economy.
As the name suggests, CreativeCon is a gathering of creators and creative business owners, facilitating connection within the diverse network of support available to New Mexico's creative sector. This event highlights regional opportunities and support structures, featuring perspectives from local enterprises alongside arts councils, chambers of commerce, and MainStreet groups. Attendees gained comprehensive insight into state-led initiatives and programs specifically designed to bolster creative industries. Hosted by the state’s Creative Industries Division, with the help of several other like-minded groups, the conference traveled throughout New Mexico over the last several months. The event's dedicated coordination team aims to provide accessible creative resources to every community in the Land of Enchantment, starting the journey in Carlsbad and concluding in Albuquerque.
As part of a panel focused on the synergy between public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Ideum joined to share insights on advancing New Mexico’s creative economy. Representatives from New Mexico’s community engagement initiatives, design sector, and film industry served as panelists for Models That Work: Public-Private Collaboration in the Creative Economy. This session focused on cross-sector investment and practical collaborative frameworks that catalyze creative entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community activation across the state. By highlighting these specific partnerships, the discussion demonstrated how integrated support can foster a sustainable and significant impact for local creators.
By 2023, the creative sector in New Mexico generated approximately $6 billion in annual economic impact. Nearly 12% of all businesses registered for Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) in the state are identified as creative enterprises, a segment that saw a further $6 million increase in activity the following year. During the panel, speakers discussed how recent state budgets have found that billions in taxpayer funds designated for public infrastructure and improvements are frequently directed toward out-of-state contractors or remain completely unutilized. The industry representatives also spoke on the significance of the state’s sovereign fund in addressing the benefits of both the creative sector and the broader community. Conferences like CreativeCon facilitate these essential conversations, providing a platform for collective problem-solving and strategic resource management.
Thank you to the Creative Industries Division for including us and instigating these necessary discussions. One of our core values at Ideum is to create enduring value and make a difference in all of the things that we do, especially serving our neighbors and fellow citizens by supporting community-based organizations committed to improving the lives of the people of New Mexico.
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