HOUSE MEMORIAL 112

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Benjamin H. Rodefer

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO CREATE A LEGISLATIVE INTERIM "FILM, ART AND CULTURE COMMITTEE".

     WHEREAS, for centuries, New Mexico has celebrated rich and varied cultural traditions that have generated historical and modern treasures that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike; and

     WHEREAS, cultural and artistic pursuits abound in New Mexico, including film, visual arts, music, dance and media and other performing arts; and

     WHEREAS, the arts and cultural activities contribute significantly to New Mexico's economy, generating three billion one hundred million dollars ($3,100,000,000) in 2007; and

     WHEREAS, according to the cultural affairs department, these activities and venues generated fifty-eight thousand seven hundred seventy-two jobs; nine hundred twelve million dollars ($912,000,000) in salaries; two hundred thirty million dollars ($230,000,000) in tax revenues; and one billion fifty-three million dollars ($1,053,000,000) for the tourism industry in that year; and

     WHEREAS, since 2002, when the film production tax credit was adopted, more than one hundred fifteen major films have been produced in the state; and

     WHEREAS, in 2007, thirty films were produced in New Mexico, generating two hundred fifty-three million dollars ($253,000,000) in spending and creating three thousand eight hundred twenty-nine jobs, sixty percent of which went directly to New Mexicans; and

     WHEREAS, in April 2005, Governor Richardson signed an executive order creating the New Mexico music commission to promote and preserve the state's musical heritage and to celebrate every kind of music, including such diverse forms as the ancient melodies of New Mexico's tribes and pueblos and Mariachi, dance, opera, symphony orchestral and country music; and

     WHEREAS, the visual arts of New Mexico include prehistoric baskets and pottery as well as the modern art found in festivals and galleries all over the state; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's public and private museums serve as valuable venues for the appreciation of the state's cultural and artistic heritage; and

     WHEREAS, preservation of the cultural integrity and diversity of the state and the importance of film, art and culture to the general welfare of New Mexicans should be recognized and enhanced;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to appoint a legislative interim "film, art and culture committee" to study legislative issues relating to film, art and culture; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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