American Indian Art Inst. To Receive Grant $$$

SANTA FE- Governor Bill Richardson has announced that he has allocated a total of $130,000 to fund film and digital media programs at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. The funding will be used to purchase new digital equipment and to support existing curriculum at the school.

“I want to make sure that every New Mexican- whether they come from Albuquerque or San Juan Pueblo, Las Cruces or the Navajo Nation- has access to the training, support, and encouragement needed for a career in film,” said Governor Richardson. “The mission of the Institute of American Indian Arts is to empower creativity and leadership in Native arts and cultures through higher education and outreach. I believe the funding we are announcing today will help with that mission.”

The money is being allocated through the Governor’s media fund, and will allow the Institute to purchase cutting-edge cameras and editing equipment, giving students access to the same cameras, lighting equipment, software, and editing equipment used by film industry professionals. In addition, the funding will help equip a green-screen studio to encourage wide-ranging and imaginative production and storytelling.

“Governor Richardson is a great advocate for our mission, programs and students,” said Dr. Robert Martin, President of the Institute of American Indian Arts. “The Governor’s support of our film program has been integral to its growth and expansion and raising the profile of our summer film and TV workshops. This funding from the Governor will permit us to purchase state-of-the art equipment, ensuring our capacity to offer high quality, relevant training for students in our film programs.”

The new equipment will also be used in conjunction with the Institute’s new immersive multi-media technology called the “Digital Dome”.

“We must continue working together to support the film industry in New Mexico, and we must let the incoming administration know the positive impact it has on the state,” added the Governor. “That way we can help ensure that our children, and future generations of New Mexicans will have the opportunity to compete and prosper in this challenging field.”

Since Governor Richardson took office in 2003 more than 147 major film and television productions have been made in New Mexico, with an estimated economic impact of more than $3.6 billion. There are 10,000 direct and indirect film-related jobs in the state, and more than 250 businesses and services directly related to the industry.