Nominations for the 2026 Santa Fe Mayor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts

The 33rd annual Santa Fe Mayor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts honor the contributions that individuals, organizations, and businesses have made to the Santa Fe arts community.

Nominees must live or work in Santa Fe or Santa Fe County.

All Santa Feans are encouraged to nominate, and all new nominations are welcome. You may nominate more than one candidate in any category.

Heads up: you may not self-nominate or nominate an immediate family member (e.g. spouse, partner, kid, parent, sibling, step-relative.)

Nominations will be open until midnight on April 30, 2026.

1. I am nominating (name of individual or organization)

Nominee's phone number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Nominee's email

example@example.com

Nominee's website and/or social media, if available

ARTS: an artist or organization doing exceptional work in film, literary, new media, performing, visual, or other contemporary artsHERITAGE ARTS: an artist or organization doing exemplary work in New Mexico-rooted heritage arts, craft, and folk arts, in honor of Santa Fe's 20th anniversary as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts. These include, but are not limited to, textile arts, pottery, woodwork, metalwork, and traditional performing artsARTS INNOVATOR: an artist or organization creating innovative programming, techniques, and/or formsCULTURE CONNECTS: an artist or organization who engages underserved communities through an equity, inclusion, and accessibility lensEDUCATION: an outstanding educator or organization who inspires and engages students through the artsMELISSA ENGESTROM YOUTH ARTIST: artist aged 21 or younger who has demonstrated artistic excellence and commitment to the artsPHILANTHROPY: an individual or organization whose charitable work advances arts and culture in Santa Fe

yes, a Mayor's Arts Awardyes, a Governor's Arts Awardno

For reference, here is a list of previous recipients of the Mayor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

4. Why are you nominating this person or organization? What makes them special?*

5. Your contact information:*

First NameLast Name

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

6. If you would like to list another person who supports this nominee's consideration, please share their name and contact information, with their consent.

Thank you for nominating! Any questions? Let us know here, or write artsandculture@santafenm.gov.

Nominations will remain open until midnight on April 30, 2026. Winners will be notified in July, and the ceremony will take place in fall 2026 (date and location TBD).

The Santa Fe Mayor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts: Nominations for 2026