The Taos Arts Council was founded in 2012 (History & Facts – updated 9-12-2018) with the vision to create a central hub in support of the Arts and Artists Community in Taos, Taos County and Northern New Mexico. Towards that longstanding goal, the TAC has been actively working towards defining its positioning in relation with the other entities and initiatives currently in Taos – such as the Town of Taos, The Taos Business Consortium, Art Space, Mainstreet, Strong at Heart and similar such government or grassroots organizations. The stated approach for the Taos Arts Council is to support all constructive dialogue and action between organizations and individuals that is mutually beneficial to all involved.
Below are listed various current points of discussion within the Taos Arts Council in working towards effective support of the Arts Community. While this list is not exhaustive, it represents an overview of the topics currently being discussed or acted upon by the TAC. If you have further suggestions to add to this listing, or for more information, please email us at info@taosartscouncil.org.
Need to Work with Local Government(s)
- Insure recognition of the artists and the Art Community
- Involve local government participation in needs of Art Community
- Investigate financial support avenues
- Incorporate local artists in civic undertakings
- Promote the Arts in Public Spaces Program
- Promote local artists
- Create more recognition of Contemporary Art and Emerging Taos Artists
Need for Information Sharing
- Available Grants and Assistance with Applications
- Meetings and Venues to Share Information
- Hold Collegial Meetings at Various Locations
- Establish Database of Artists and Galleries
- Centralized Calendar of Events
Need For Public Spaces
- Lower Rents for Working Artists and Galleries
- Popup Galleries
- More Exhibition and Performing Spaces
- Gathering Space for Dialogue
- More Plaza and Street Facilities / Venues
- Places for Making Art
- Accessible Rules and Permits Required for Activities in Public Spaces
What Are the Benefits of Public Art to its Community?
- Tourism Enhancement
- Public Ownership and Engagement
- Reinforce and Preserve Identity of Taos as Art Colony and Destination
- Recognize Art as an Asset
Identify Cooperative Efforts
- Work / Assist Town of Taos Supporting ‘Taos is Art’ yearly banner project
- Recognize and Cultivate Partnerships and Activities for Arts Education
- Create Collective Bargaining for Advertising, Rents and Similar Expenses
- Maintain Active Voice in Discussions and Developments of Other Town and Grassroots Organizations
TAC Activities
- Hold Public Forums for Arts Related Discussions and Education
- Hold Public Meetings Regarding Current Topics related to Arts and the Art Community
- Maintain Centralized Database of Artists and Arts related Organizations
- Maintain Website for Current Announcements, Information and Networking amongst Arts Community
- Create Central Calendar with Universal Access
- Town Hall Art Shows, Artist Presentations, Monthly Walking Map, Internships, Award Nominations, Act as Fiscal Agent
