U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.2 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Expand Resources for Creative Arts Businesses and Entrepreneurs in Albuquerque, New Mexico

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance grant to the Keshet Dance Company, Albuquerque, New Mexico, to renovate the Keshet Ideas and Innovation Center.

The project will create additional space and support for artisans and creative-based entrepreneurs to create and expand businesses by adding workspaces, studios, and a business resource library. This EDA project will be matched with $400,000 in local funds and is expected to create 84 jobs.

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan offers direct relief to American communities as they work to build back better from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This investment will support business development in Albuquerque, increasing job creation and developing a stronger regional economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration is proud to support community-led economic development strategies to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide additional capacity and resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Albuquerque arts community, supporting a diverse and resilient economy.”

“The Keshet Dance Company in Albuquerque has always created a welcoming space for artists and audiences alike to feel both empowered and entranced by New Mexico’s unique art scene,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. “It’s art communities like this that are the heart of our state’s creative economy. I’m proud to see investments that Democrats passed in the American Rescue Plan support local companies like Keshet to make them stronger than ever before.”

“The American Rescue Plan made historic investments to create jobs for New Mexicans and get our economy back on track during the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation is making a difference in every corner of New Mexico, and this investment in the Keshet Dance Company will empower the creative economy in Albuquerque and across the state,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “New Mexico has long been a leader in the arts, and I will continue fighting to secure the resources that our communities need.”

“Albuquerque’s vibrant art, music, and dance scene enriches our community,” said Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “I’m grateful that the American Rescue Plan is continuing to deliver for our creative economy and support good-paying jobs and cultural institutions like Keshet Dance Company. I look forward to visiting the new makerspace and seeing the performances that Keshet shares with our community.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG). EDA funds MRCOG to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in economically distressed communities to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.