Month: May 2009

Unique collaboration will offer world class programs for local Native American and Hispanic Filmmakers

SANTA FE-New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced a new collaboration between Robert Redford and the State of New Mexico that is currently referred to as “Sundance in New Mexico.” The initiative will partner with the Department of Cultural Affairs and the New Mexico Film Office to create and expand upon training programs in film, arts, and the environment. These programs will be designed specifically for New Mexico’s Native American and Hispanic filmmakers. The Governor was joined by Mr. Redford at a news conference today at the State Capitol in Santa Fe.

“This marks a new level of commitment on the part of Bob Redford and my administration in supporting the underrepresented voices in our culture, to job creation through the arts, and to the power of partnerships built on mutual goals and aspirations,” said Governor Richardson. “The Redford and Sundance names are held in high esteem around the globe, and are synonymous in most people’s minds with innovation in the arts, advocacy of the environment, and public policy reflecting both. This is a tremendous opportunity for New Mexico’s Native American and Hispanic filmmakers, and for the state as a whole.”

“My love of New Mexico goes back many, many years,” said Robert Redford. “My commitment to this state began with The Milagro Beanfield War.” Sundance in New Mexico will be based at historic Los Luceros in Northern New Mexico, a cultural treasure located along the Rio Grande that is owned and operated by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. In use as early as 1350 by the Tewa people of Pfioge Pueblo, Los Luceros ultimately was pivotal in the development of commerce and government in New Mexico.

“We are pleased that this collaboration will allow the Department to fulfill its dual mission of protecting the state’s cultural heritage, while providing educational programs that will benefit the people of New Mexico,” said Stuart Ashman, Secretary of the Department of Cultural Affairs Robert Redford has a long history with New Mexico, dating back to the 1988 movie The Milagro Beanfield War. The actor-filmmaker is also well known for his environmental activism. Mr. Redford founded the Sundance Institute in 1981, a not-for-profit organization that fosters the development of original storytelling in film and theatre. It is internationally recognized for its artistic development programs for directors, screenwriters, producers, film composers, playwrights and theatre artists.

Sundance – the place – in the mountains of Utah, also reflects Mr. Redford’s lifetime commitment of bringing together the arts and the environment. “During these tough economic times, it is imperative to create partnerships which allow film and arts initiatives to not just survive, but to flourish,” said Lisa Strout, Director of the New Mexico Film Office. “This opportunity is an honor and a gift to the State of New Mexico.”

The costs for Sundance in New Mexico will be covered with existing appropriations for the operation of Los Luceros. In his remarks, Governor Richardson recognized New Mexico Speaker of the House Ben Lujan for his leadership and ongoing dedication and support of Hispanic and Native American filmmakers in New Mexico. For more information on Sundance in New Mexico contact Kathleen Broyles (505) 476-5604 or e-mail loslucerosnm@gmail.com.

Redford is currently building a house near Tesuque, about 10 minutes north of Santa Fe.

Santa Fe, N.M., May 22, 2009 – When the Grand Opening ribbon is cut at the brand-new New Mexico History Museum on Sunday, May 24, it will be in historical style. A pair of 18th-century Spanish scribe’s scissors have been loaned to the Museum by longtime supporter Jerry Richardson, a Museum of New Mexico Foundation trustee.

The scissors were purchased by Richardson in 2002 at an antiques show in Santa Fe. Described to Richardson as “scribe’s shears or scissors,” they were dated to the early 18th century, but believed to be even older. In that earlier era, villagers who could not read or write themselves went to a scribe when they wanted to send someone a letter. They dictated the letter to the scribe, who had a long roll of paper, pen, ink and a pair of scissors. After writing the letter, the scribe would cut it off the roll, thereby conserving the remaining paper.

“I am very pleased that these historic scribe’s scissors are going to be used for the very historic occasion of the opening of the New Mexico History Museum,” said Richardson, a founding member of Los Compadres del Palacio, the group that began working on the Museum about 20 years ago. “It has always been my hope that they would someday become part of the collections there and now, with this linkage, they are even more appropriate for the collections.”

The ribbon-cutting begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 24, in the Palace of the Governors Courtyard. Speakers will include:

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson

Former U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, for whom the Museum building is named

Dr. Frances Levine, director of the Museum

Stuart Ashman, secretary of the Department of Cultural Affairs

Alvin Warren, secretary of the Department of Indian Affairs

Ambassador Patricia Espinosa, Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry

Spanish Ambassador to the United States D. Jorge Dezcallar de Mazarredo

New Mexico History Museum at 113 Lincoln Avenue, just behind the Palace of the Governors on the Santa Fe Plaza Museum Front Desk: 505-476-5200

The New Mexico Rail Runner will operate its Saturday schedule (http://www.nmrailrunner.com/schedule.asp) on May 24 and 25 to accommodate opening-weekend visitors. In addition, all four of the state’s Santa Fe-based museums will have free admission on both days: the Museum of Art (http://www.nmartmuseum.org/); the Museum of International Folk Art (http://www.internationalfolkart.org/); and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (http://www.indianartsandculture.org/).

AAA today projected the number of Americans traveling on vacation this Memorial Day holiday weekend will increase 1.5 percent from 2008 with approximately 32.4 million travelers taking a trip of 50 or more miles away from home. Last year, 31.9 million Americans traveled during the same period; a dramatic decline from the 35.3 million travelers who vacationed in 2007.

According to Robert L. Darbelnet, AAA President & CEO, “the good news is sharply lower gasoline prices and plentiful travel bargains have Americans feeling better about taking a road trip this summer which should help tourism-based economic activity throughout the nation.”

New Mexico’s high country offers beautiful sunny skies and cool evenings. Just 28 miles from the Arizona border, Spring Canyon Ranch is your best bet for a fantastic summer escape! Plentiful wildlife, gorgeous views, and lots of room to roam—think horseback, ATV, camping by starlight… It’s a getaway in the true sense of the word, miles away from the daily grind.

Trips by auto will be the beneficiary of Americans’ returning wanderlust with 27 million people – or nearly 83 percent of all travelers – planning a road trip. This summer AAA does not expect the price of gasoline to average more than $2.50 per gallon. (The current nationwide average price of self-serve regular is $2.248.)

Gas prices, airfare, rental car rates and some lodging costs will be lower

According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, air fares over the Memorial Day holiday weekend are expected to decrease four percent from last year as air passengers will pay an average $176. Car rental rates will drop lower with consumers paying an average of $43 per day compared to $45 a year ago, a decrease of three percent. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to be 12 percent less than last year with travelers spending an average of $142 per night. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels will pay an average of $104 per night, seven percent less than a year ago.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com—organize your New Mexico trip today!