Magnífico is partnering with The Historic District Improvement Company (HDIC) and Enterprise Foundation to spearhead the planning and creation of the future CENTRAL ARTS District, which addresses the need for a downtown arts district at the center of Downtown revitalization to attract residents and visitors to Downtown for a dose of contemporary arts. New Mexico is home to an extremely high concentration of contemporary artists, and Downtown Albuquerque's urban environment is the perfect place to showcase this exciting resource. HDIC sees Downtown Albuquerque as "New Mexico's Downtown," because it is the only urban place in the state. Downtown has a pedestrian orientation and a uniqueness that appeals to many contemporary artists.

The revitalization effort in Downtown Albuquerque is part of a national movement to create an inviting downtown environment that is pedestrian friendly, builds community, and fosters sustainable development. The arts have always played a crucial role in downtown revitalization projects across the country. In fact, the arts have led the way in the redevelopment of downtown Denver, Dallas, Chattanooga, San Diego and many other of the recent downtown success stories.

The CENTRAL ARTS District is intended to be a concentration of the contemporary arts (visual, performing and literary), on and near Central Avenue. Anchored by Magnífico's permanent home at 516 Central and the newly refurbished KiMo Theater, Central Arts will be a place for arts organizations, artists, galleries, and arts-oriented restaurants within walking distance of one another. The plans for the CENTRAL ARTS District include: a diverse mix of visual and performing arts venues in a combination of commercial and non-profit ventures; working artists and studios; cutting edge visual and performing arts activities; and an inviting creative atmosphere. As the plans for the CENTRAL ARTS District gain momentum, it will continue to attract more exciting arts projects and businesses.

The CENTRAL ARTS District is attempting to do what no other arts effort has been able to do: put in place a financial structure to insure that rising real estate values will not force the pioneering arts community to move as downtown continues its redevelopment. This will be a national model of cooperation for engaging the very real benefits that the arts bring to a downtown.

What is Magnífico?
Magnífico, honored as The City of Albuquerque's Designated Arts Organization, is a non-profit community arts group supporting all of the arts city-wide. Magnífico operates 516 Magnífico Artspace, the thriving museum-style gallery in the center of Downtown, which has played an important role in the early phases of downtown revitalization since 1999.

What is HDIC?
HDIC is the master developer for the 12-block Downtown entertainment district. HDIC is comprised of McCune Charitable Foundation, Arcadia Land Company, and Downtown Action Team. The focus of HDIC is to catalyze redevelopment of the historic district, particularly Downtown. The McCune Foundation is the largest foundation in the state and its investment in HDIC is a major portion of its portfolio. Arcadia Land Company is the leading new urbanist development firm in the country.

What is Enterprise Foundation?
Enterprise Foundation is a national non-profit organization working on affordable housing in communities throughout the country. Enterprise is working with Magnifico and HDIC on the arts district as part of their larger project involving an assessment of housing needs in Downtown Albuquerque.

GOALS FOR CENTRAL ARTS DISTRICT:

1. Quality
We seek to showcase the highest quality of all the arts.
2. Synergy
We seek to facilitate a synergy among the arts activities in Downtown, so that they all harmonize and complement one another.
3. Diversity of the arts
We seek to establish all of the arts in Downtown Albuquerque, including the visual, performing, literary, and media arts to provide a wide variety of arts activities with contemporary relevance
4. Pedestrian traffic
We seek to make Downtown Albuquerque an arts attraction for both artists and the general public. The CENTRAL ARTS District should not only be an enclave for artists, but it should also be a stimulating place for pedestrian-oriented activity.
5. Financial sustainablity
We seek to create a long-term arts district, which is financially viable and sustainable.
6. Community building
We seek to strengthen Albuquerque's arts community by providing a vital center that showcases Albuquerque as an arts destination.

SUCCESSFUL CENTRAL ARTS PUBLIC DESIGN WORKSHOP (3/30/01-4/1/01):

Over 600 artists, arts organizations, architects, developers, and members of the public worked side by side in group brain-storming sessions to set the foundation for the creation of Downtown Albuquerque's future CENTRAL ARTS District. The "Charette" (Design Workshop) addressed the need for a concentrated arts district at the center of Downtown to complement the current revitalization effort.

The weekend included a kick-off reception with guest speakers Alonzo Davis and John Villani, who talked about what makes a successful arts district. Other speakers included Mayor Jim Baca and Chris Leinberger, Managing Partner of HDIC. Saturday morning was an open public discussion and brainstorming session led by facilitator Toby Herzlich. Arts organizers and architects worked all afternoon, into the night and the next day until Sunday afternoon's crowded public presentation. The presentation showed each of the ten proposed arts projects, which are the starting point for the CENTRAL ARTS District.

Other arts businesses and organizations are welcome to join in the plans. Anyone interested in creating or moving an arts-related business or organization Downtown or finding out more about the arts district can contact Magnífico at 505-242-8244. For more information on leasing space in Downtown, contact HDIC at 505-247-7438.