March 28, 2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

We’re excited to announce the launch of NM CreativeCon, a new statewide series of events designed to support and grow New Mexico’s creative economy. Hosted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Creative Industries Division, NM CreativeCon emphasizes the business side of creativity through education, networking, and hands-on learning opportunities. Beginning in March 2026, NM CreativeCon will host five regional CreativeCons across the state, leading up to a full-day statewide convening in June. These events are designed to strengthen local creative networks, highlight regional assets, and provide practical tools to support creative businesses at every stage.

2026 NM CreativeCon Schedule

• March 7, 2026 – Carlsbad (Southeast) | Cavern Theater

• March 28, 2026 – Raton (Northeast) | Shuler Theater

• April 11, 2026 – Gallup (Northwest) | El Morro Theater

• April 25, 2026 – Silver City (Southwest) | WNMU Fine Arts Theater

• May 30, 2026 – Pueblo of Pojoaque (Northcentral) | Buffalo Thunder Casino

• June 6, 2026 – Albuquerque (Central) | National Hispanic Cultural Center

Each regional CreativeCon will spotlight local creative industries, connect participants to state and regional resources, and foster meaningful relationships within each community’s creative ecosystem.

Raton Schedule
9:00 – 9:15 AM: Coffee & Networking
9:30 – 10:15 AM: Local Government Creative Supports Panel
10:15 – 10:30 AM: Break
10:30 – 11:30 AM: Local Entrepreneurs Panel
11:30 – 11:45 AM: Break
12:00 – 1:20 PM: Lunch
1:30 – 2:15 PM: Regional Creative Ecosystem Panel
2:15 – 2:30 PM: Break
2:30 – 3:15 PM: State Creative Ecosystem Panel
3:30 – 4:00 PM: Closing & Networking

Registration is $15 and is now open. Learn more and sign up at https://edd.newmexico.gov/creativecon/ or follow @NMCreativeDiv for updates.

SPECIAL OFFER

Every registrant for the NM CreativeCon in Raton will receive one (1) free ticket to “The French Family Band” performance at the Shuler Theater hosted by the Raton Arts & Humanities Council on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 7 p.m. (the day before the conference). Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Nashville-based but hailing from Australia/New Zealand, this family band features Stuie & Camille French on guitars/vocals, and son Sonny on guitars/vocals. Taking inspiration from country and western swing icons of decades past, one can hear echoes of Chet Atkins, Anne Murray and Merle Haggard in the covers and originals they perform. When Covid hit, the French Family pivoted to Facebook Live concerts from home and developed a following of nearly 180,000.

Since then, the band has appeared on stage at the Grand Ol’ Opry several times and won 4 Australian Golden Guitar Awards. The uncommon gifts of Camille, Stuie and Sonny rival the stars of country’s Golden Age.

If you have any questions, please reach out Patricia at (575) 445-2052 or pduran@ratonmainstreet.org

Category: Community/Social