New Mexico Literary Arts has had a rollicking history in its effort to become a culturally, poetically and socially relevant entity. Originally granted 501(c)3 status as the Poetry Center of New Mexico, a new board with a new, broader mission was formed in 1997, and re-incarnated with all credentials intact as NMLA. We have produced events in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and elsewhere in New Mexico.
Each member of our working board have themselves produced many literary/visual art workshops and events, performed, taught or served in an administrative capacity in the arts. As a 501(c)3 organization, we have successfully collaborated with other organizations acting as their fiscal agent to administer their grants. In this way we hope to make a potent and valuable contribution to the literary arts and cultural community of New Mexico
New Mexico Literary Arts recognizes the needs of other organizations around the state who are applying for grants which require a 501(c)3 status fiscal agent. We can offer our expertise in fulfilling this end of the grant submission process. Please contact us with the scope of your project and how we may be of assistance.
There are also instances where a project is not grant-driven, but help is needed in making it a success. New Mexico Literary Arts Board Members have a wide range of experiences and are willing to offer technical assistance or simply knowledgeable advice.
New Mexico State Poetry Society (NMSPS) is a poetry organization within the state of New Mexico affiliated with the National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Inc. It is a nonprofit society under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its mission is to foster the appreciation and creation of poetry throughout the State of New Mexico and elsewhere.
The Society recognizes the importance of poetry to cultural welfare and is dedicated to asserting this importance by its support. The purposes of the Society are exclusively literary and educational. The NMSPS is nonpartisan; as an organization it will not espouse particular religious, social, or political causes, although it will impose no restrictions on its members' individual rights to free speech. The NMSPS will not participate in political campaigns or attempt to influence legislation. It may, however, provide New Mexico governmental branches with information that bears directly on the Society's mission.
Through a bequest from Witter Bynner in 1972, The Witter Bynner Foundation for Poetry perpetuates the art of poetry.
The foundation promotes poetry in American culture and encourages grant proposals that expand awareness of the positive effects of poetry on society.
The Southwest Festival of the Written Word was founded in 2010 by members of the major cultural institutions in Silver City – the university, the public library, and the Western Institute of Lifelong Learning. The festival takes place every other year and attracts over 800 visitors. Our first festival was in 2013. The mission statement is to celebrate the power and beauty of the written word, bringing together those who create with those who appreciate, with special emphasis on fostering community involvement. The Southwest Festival of the Written Word was created to celebrate authors who live and work in the Southwest. Festivals feature the heritage of writing and writers in the Southwest, showing how that deep history connects to the present. The festival reveals how the diverse literary genres and interests coalesce and relate. Writers who have produced outstanding work that deserves continued appreciation are honored. People of all ages who want to improve their writing or to make a career of putting words together are encouraged.
For the past 14 years more than 12,000 high school students across New Mexico have participated in the Poetry Out Loud state recitation competitions, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and The Poetry Foundation. New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, invites your high school to participate.
SOMOS, the Society of the Muse of the Southwest, is situated in Northern New Mexico, at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost range of the Rocky Mountains. Taos, New Mexico, has long been a haven for the creative soul. Since the arrival of literary notables Willa Cather and D.H. Lawrence in the early twentieth century, literature has played a prominent role in the area’s rich cultural landscape. As the literary arts flourished, the need for formal community support became apparent, which ultimately led to the nonprofit incorporation of SOMOS, the Society of the Muse of the Southwest, in 1983.
Since then, we have expanded into our present role as a respected literary resource center whose outreach extends to the greater community of Northern New Mexico— and beyond. Our live readings, workshops, conferences, and festivals not only showcase accomplished writers but also encourage creativity in novice writers from all walks of life. Our e-newsletter will keep you informed about literary events and writers’ opportunities; sign up now .
SOMOS is a membership organization. The generosity of our supporters allows us to honor our commitment of presenting the very best of the literary arts to the Taos area at little or no cost when possible. We cordially invite you to join us in answering the call of the Muse of the Southwest.
