We're expanding! Read about the future of 516 ARTS here.
Contemporary Art for Everyone
Established in 2006 by Suzanne Sbarge, 516 ARTS is a non-collecting contemporary art museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico that celebrates thought-provoking art in the here and now. At the core of its mission, 516 ARTS seeks to connect contemporary artists and diverse audiences through exhibitions and public programs that feature a mix of local, national, and international artists. The only museum in Albuquerque devoted exclusively to contemporary art, 516 ARTS prioritizes creative experimentation, with a focus on the intersection of Latinx and Indigenous histories in New Mexico and beyond. The museum delves into timely and pressing themes such as climate change, migration, and social and environmental justice. 516 ARTS sees art as at the essence of our humanity and a catalyst for positive social change.
516 ARTS is dedicated to fostering a multifaceted and inclusive arts community through its exhibitions and public programs along with the following ongoing initiatives. Its Indigenous Arts Initiative encompasses a range of educational and engaging activities, thoughtfully curated to connect with Indigenous artists and communities in New Mexico, while promoting a broader practice of diversity that embraces intersectionality. 516 ARTS’ Latinx/Intersectional Art Initiative sheds light on the distinctive artistic expressions emerging from our unique location in a US/Mexico border state, enriched by a complex history of Spanish colonial roots interwoven with Indigenous histories. In 2020, 516 ARTS spearheaded Desierto Mountain Time, a cross-border contemporary art collaboration bringing together like-minded organizations across the Southwestern U.S. and Northern Mexico. By forging these vital connections, 516 ARTS aims to nurture a network of creative exchange and collaboration that bridges local and international communities.
Committed to educating the creative minds of the future, 516 ARTS invests in Youth Education through a range of free, accessible programs that aim to inspire and empower the next generation of artists and art enthusiasts. A pillar of our support for New Mexico artists, 516 ARTS’ annual Fulcrum Fund grant program, launched in 2016, has contributed a total of $805,000 to 337 independent artists and art spaces in New Mexico. During the pandemic, the Fulcrum Fund played a critical role in providing emergency relief, distributing $321,000 to 255 artists and art spaces, with a focus on supporting Native American artists and artists of color.
As 516 ARTS continues to evolve, it remains deeply rooted in the New Mexico arts community, guided by the vision of creating a space where the arts flourish, ideas take flight, and diverse voices are celebrated.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
516 ARTS is committed to providing a dynamic, creative and inspiring space where individuals can gather to discuss, explore and learn about contemporary art and relevant issues and topics of our day. We actively seek inclusivity in our exhibitions and public programming, as well as in our board, staff, public space, and work environment. We strive to create experiences that are welcoming, relevant and accessible to people of diverse backgrounds. We seek to be active participants in celebrating the diversity in our community, while exploring topics such as socio-economic class, education, the environment and immigration. We continually evaluate our programming, exhibitions and staffing in relation to our goals of enhanced audience engagement and the reflection of diverse perspectives. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, gender identity, religious affiliation or national origin and believe that our unique differences, ideas, preferences and perspectives contribute to a rich, vibrant and meaningful fabric that unites us all.
Click HERE to view our Strategic Plan
Click HERE to learn about our ongoing initiatives
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