Step into a world of excitement and celebration with the Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA), where some of the most captivating events in the northern part of the state unfold. Here, we cherish and honor the vibrancy of our community and its people through a diverse array of ongoing and upcoming events. From traditional festivals that pay homage to our rich cultural heritage to innovative gatherings that forge new memories, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Our events celebrate past traditions and are community-driven, fostering connections and creating new experiences. NRGNHA is the heartbeat of Northern New Mexico’s cultural landscape. Come join us as we celebrate the essence of our community – joy and togetherness.
Cultures and Creators Visual Arts Festival
Mark your calendars for the Cultures and Creators Visual Arts Festival, taking place over two weekends, September 13th-15th, and 21st-22nd at Los Luceros. This festival celebrates the artistic spirit of Northern New Mexico, featuring a diverse lineup of artists, family-friendly activities, food trucks, local wine and beer, and live music. Join us for a day of creativity, community, and cultural celebration. Stay tuned for more details!
Established by the US Congress in 2006, the Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) encompasses Río Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos counties and is dedicated to conserving and sustaining the varied cultural, historical, archaeological, and natural resources of Northern New Mexico. To fulfill this Congressional mandate, NRGNHA developed a comprehensive grant program designed to distribute federal funds for a wide array of projects within the Heritage Area.
The core mission of the NRGNHA grant program is to support and sustain the communities, languages, cultures, traditions, heritage, and environment unique to Northern New Mexico. We are committed to empowering a diverse range of projects that align with our objectives, providing up to $10,000 in funding to eligible applicants. Our program is open to communities, tribal and local governments, land grant associations, non-profit organizations, youth programs, historical and archaeological societies, and preservation groups who share our vision of maintaining and enhancing the region’s rich heritage.
Since 2009, NRGNHA has been instrumental in advancing numerous initiatives across Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Taos County, reinforcing our commitment to cultural preservation and community development. We continuously seek applicants who demonstrate innovative and impactful approaches to heritage conservation, cultural education, and community enrichment. Those interested in applying are encouraged to request an application at info@riograndenha.org or call (505) 752-7273 for more information. Join us in our endeavor to preserve and celebrate the unique legacy of Northern New Mexico for future generations.
We are pleased to announce the opening of our 2024 grant cycle! Communities, tribal and local governments, land grant associations, non-profit organizations, youth programs, historical and archaeological societies, and preservation groups are encouraged to apply for grant funding of up to $10,000. These grants support projects that align with the NRGNHA’s vision and goals of preserving, promoting, and protecting the cultural, historical, and natural resources of Northern New Mexico.
July 8 - August 30 - Interested applicants can contact Steve Vigil at info@riograndenha.org for application and consultation. Consultation is required to obtain an application.
September 6 - Deadline for submission of applications.
November 30 - Applicants notified of award.
December 30 - Contracts finalized.
January 1, 2025 - Contract start date.
We look forward to supporting your projects and initiatives!
The Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) is excited to announce the availability of grant funding dedicated to supporting Indigenous Language Projects within Rio Arriba, Taos, and Santa Fe Counties. This initiative invites proposals from eligible organizations, including tribal governments, tribal-affiliated schools, and programs committed to preserving, revitalizing, and promoting Indigenous languages. Funding up to $21,500 is available to support projects such as language learning materials, digital tools, language immersion programs, and community workshops. Applications open on August 5, 2024, and are due by October 18, 2024.
For inquiries and application consultations, please contact:
Steve Vigil at info@riograndenha.org
Cultures and Creators Call for Artists: Our Ancestors. Our Future.
We are thrilled to invite artists from Taos, Rio Arriba, or Santa Fe County to showcase their original artwork in our upcoming exhibition, "Cultures and Creators: Our Ancestors. Our Future." This exciting event celebrates the rich artistic heritage and contemporary creativity that thrive within our region. We welcome up to three submissions per artist, to be made digitally through our submission platform, including titles, dimensions, medium, and a brief artist statement. Join us in celebrating the vibrant cultural landscape of Northern New Mexico and seize this opportunity to highlight your work in a showcase that honors our past and inspires our future.
Click here for full details, submission information, and more.
The deadline to submit your work is August 10, 2024
Exciting workshops are currently underway at the Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA), where we serve as stewards of Northern New Mexico’s unique cultural and natural heritage. Our commitment extends beyond preservation; we actively engage in education and cultural connection, bridging the past with the present and future. Through collaboration with tribal entities, local municipalities, and governmental bodies, we ensure inclusivity and representation in all our endeavors. At NRGNHA, unity is paramount as we advocate for cultural celebration and sustainable practices. Join us in honoring traditions, supporting communities, and nurturing a future where culture and nature thrive harmoniously.
Straw Applique with Gabriela Silva
Date: July 27th 2024
Time: 10am-3pm
Location: Los Luceros
Cost: $50 per person
15 spaces available for individuals 16 years and older.
The precise origins of straw art in New Mexico remain unclear. One narrative recounts its introduction during the arrival of the Spaniards, who brought Gold Crosses into Northern New Mexico. Inspired by these crosses, local farmers, known as Grangeros, endeavored to replicate them using indigenous materials. Utilizing wood sourced from the local forests, they crafted crosses and adorned them with charcoal paint. Subsequently, they meticulously prepared hay from their fields, wetting, slicing, ironing, and applying it atop the blackened crosses. Finally, they employed pine sap as a varnish, imparting a golden hue that shimmered when illuminated.
Through this class, we aim to honor this tradition by recreating the classic black with natural straw appliqué, employing the same techniques mastered by these artisans of old.
This class will be held at Los Luceros Historic Site on July 27th from 10:00 am to 3 pm. Light snacks and drinks will be provided, but please bring a lunch. Please note, the gates to the site do not open until 10:00am, arriving early is welcomed, but you may not be able to access the Community Room until 10:00am.
Register HERE.
Tinworking
Details coming soon!
Details Coming Soon
Details coming soon!
Making Natural Paints and Dyes
March 15th (11:00a - 2:00p)
Celebrate Earth Day by Upcyling! Bring your own machine and learn Hidden Nine Patch Quilting
April 26th
Traditional Retablos Paints with Joseph Lopez
Shibori Tie Dye for Pride Month
June 22nd
Step into a world of innovation and community engagement with the Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA), where an array of exciting projects unfold to advance Northern New Mexico. Here, we focus on initiatives that not only celebrate our cultural heritage but also provide additional opportunities to individuals and families in the region. From supporting educational and cultural experiences for students to offering skill-building opportunities for artists, our projects aim to uplift and empower every member of our community. By revitalizing historic sites, promoting traditional arts and crafts, and providing training and mentorship programs, NRGNHA is dedicated to fostering growth and expertise across Northern New Mexico. Join us as we embark on this journey of progress and prosperity for our community.
At the heart of the Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area’s commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement is our Artist in Residence program. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to nurturing the artistic community of Northern New Mexico, one artist at a time. As stewards of the region’s rich heritage, the program offers local artists a space to fully immerse themselves in creating a body of work that reflects our area’s vibrant culture and traditions.
The Artist in Residence program is more than just a nod to the past; it’s a celebration of our culture and community as it stands today, playing a pivotal role in keeping our heritage alive and thriving. The artist’s creative endeavors contribute significantly to the historical and contemporary art scene, which has been a cornerstone of our region for generations.
The success of this program is a driving force behind the Cultures & Creators Visual Arts Festival, an event that exemplifies our commitment to increasing public engagement and support for local art and artists. This festival is a movement towards creating a sustainable annual celebration that highlights the cultural richness and economic vitality of Northern New Mexico.