Cultural Events Fund Announces First Cohort of Awardees
As part of current efforts to advance Destination Stewardship in Taos, the “Cultural Events Fund” (CEF) pilot was launched in late 2025. Taos Mainstreet hosted this inaugural fund to support the many community organizers who elevate the culture and diversity of Taos and Northern New Mexico.
“The fund is a key piece of the overall mission of Taos Destination Stewardship to celebrate the many unique aspects of our area that often go under-supported and under-promoted,” said Jessie Hook, Taos Destination Network manager.
With this in mind, the CEF aims to provide financial and programmatic help to grassroots cultural events in the region. This includes new events; and those that have occurred in the past, and have since dropped off. This pilot fund is made possible with support from the Town of Taos and Taos County.
“These are tourism dollars reinvested in our communities intended to celebrate what makes Taos extraordinary – its people,” said Charles Whitson, Executive Director of Taos MainStreet.
“These grants are available to individuals, nonprofits, businesses and informal community groups working within Taos County.” Given the event-laden troposphere that soaks the local calendar throughout the year in Taos County, the CEF is uniquely positioned to boost multiple projects that support cultural connections for the community and steer visitors towards more avant-garde experiences.
According to a cross-sector action team of locals who participated in the authoring of the Taos Destination Stewardship Plan, a cultural event is defined as: “a gathering or activity that celebrates, preserves, or showcases the traditions, beliefs, arts, history, and customs of a specific community, group, or region.”
The consensus of proposals submitted in this first round, focused on fostering pride, understanding, and appreciation in a shared cultural heritage – creating a means of exchange between diverse audiences from both within and outside the community.
This first round saw a total of $25,000 awarded to eight different groups planning their respective events between January 1 and May 31. The range of CEF awards are $1,150 to $5,000.
“We were really pleased to see that five out of the eight applicants received the full amount they requested,” quipped Whitson. “In every one of their acceptance responses, however, all were very excited to be counted as an awardee.”
Groups garnering the max award of $5K were the Taos Historic Museum’s “Celebration of Adobe;” Friends of the Taos Public Library’s “Santos Nuevos y Viejos” and Henrietta Gomez’ “Horno Baking and Traditional Feast Day Foods Workshop Series.”
The Taos County Historical Society was awarded $2,850 for their upcoming “Honors Luncheon.” “Black History Month Gala,” organized by the Taos Coalition of Color; “The Taoseña Awards” held by Taos News and “Stories from the Land,” shared by the Friends of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument each received $2,000. Rounding out the list is Pamela Vanderway’s “TaosRocks – Art for Everyone” who was awarded $1,150.
A second round of funds totaling $25,000 will be available soon for events slated for the summer and fall months.
“To me, this is demonstrating a real match between great ideas and plans, with action and tangible support,” added Arcenio J. Trujillo, Community Engagement Coordinator with Taos MainStreet. “Our cultural base here in Northern New Mexico is so huge, and it deserves to be shown in meaningful ways.”
To find out more about Taos MainStreet, the Taos Destination Stewardship Network efforts, including details regarding Cultural Events Fund such as application deadlines and future CEF workshops, visit taosmainstreet.org.
CEF Award Descriptions: Round 1
Celebration of Adobe, Taos Historic Museums Awarded: $5,000, Full Award
Three Words to describe the event: Hands-On Sustaining Heritage
A two-day, hands-on gathering where locals and visitors will mix mud, plaster ovens, and build a brand-new horno together, Celebration of Adobe will take place at one of the most historic adobe sites in the country. This celebration is about more than building with earth, as coming together to learn, share stories and build is about keeping generational knowledge alive by connecting locals, welcoming visitors to learn about Taos Valley and its living cultures in meaningful ways, and strengthening the local economy through experiences rooted in place.
Stories from the Land, Friends of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Awarded: $2,000, Full Award
Three Words to describe the event: Community, Land, Storytelling
Stories from the Land brings together locals and visitors through personal stories of northern New Mexico’s public lands, from ranching and fishing to hiking and piñon gathering. By sharing lived experience, this event series intends to create stronger connections with locals, while also helping visitors understand these landscapes not just as places to visit, but as places of culture, memory, and active stewardship.
Santos Nuevos y Viejos, Friends of the Taos Public Library
Awarded: $5,000, Full Award
Three Words to describe the event: Santos/Education/Creativity
Santos Nuevos y Viejos is a celebration of New Mexico’s Santero and Santos art traditions including past, present, and future. Hosted by the Friends of the Taos Public Library, this free series will bring together elder art masters, youth, and the public - both locals and visitors - through exhibitions, talks, film, and hands-on learning. By honoring viejos and nurturing nuevos, the project preserves generational knowledge while sparking creativity, curiosity, and community connection.
Horno Baking & Traditional Feast Day Foods Workshop Series, Henrietta Gomez
Awarded: $5,000, Full Award
Three Words to describe the event: "Taos Pueblo" "Feast Day" "Foods"
The Horno Baking & Traditional Feast Day Foods Workshop Series supports the living food traditions of Taos Pueblo and northern New Mexico by bringing people together to bake, preserve, and share Feast Day foods in community hornos. These workshops strengthen connections between generations while supporting local farmers, wood harvesters, adobe builders, and food producers. By inviting visitors into these traditions, the series builds appreciation, stewardship, and long-term support for the land and people who sustain them.
Honors Luncheon, Taos County Historical Society Awarded: $2850, Partial Award
Three Words to describe the event: History, pride, community
The Taos County Historical Society invites locals and visitors to celebrate Larry Torres, beloved author, playwright, and chronicler of New Mexico’s Hispanic history in May 2026. With humor and heart, Larry’s work brings real Taos characters to life. This accessible, inclusive event features a film, lecture, and luncheon that creates meaningful dialogue between residents and those seeking a deeper, more authentic connection to Taos culture.
The Taoseña Awards, The Taos News
Awarded: $2000, Partial Award
Three Words to describe the event: Celebrating Taos Women
Taos Woman and the Taoseña Awards celebrate the women who shape Northern New Mexico. In 2026, eight inspiring Taoseñas, many of whom are Native and Hispanic leaders, will be honored, with this grant ensuring 75 local high school student will also attend for free - to connect with real role models. The event also welcomes visitors into an authentic experience of Taos culture, helping them better understand the women and communities behind this place.
#TaosRocks, Pamela Vanderway
Awarded: $1,150, Partial Award
Three Words to describe the event: Art for Everyone
Taos Rocks invites locals and visitors to create, share, and discover small hand-painted artworks hidden throughout the Taos Historic District. Through free, all-ages rock-painting events, participants work with local artists to make original pieces marked #TaosRocks and place them in public spaces as acts of generosity and connection. More than a one-time event, Taos Rocks is a growing, community-driven movement that turns everyday walks into moments of surprise, joy, and shared creativity.
Black History Month Gala, Taos Coalition of Color Awarded: $2,000, Full Award
Three Words to describe the event: Dynamic, Communal, Satiating
This Black History Month Gala invites locals and visitors to experience Black culture through food, music, and storytelling. Produced by the organizers of Taos’ Juneteenth Festival, the event will feature a community feast, cultural performances, Black-owned vendors, and exhibits honoring the Black experience in Northern New Mexico — building understanding, joy, and shared celebration.