SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 39

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

INTRODUCED BY

Timothy M. Keller

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE STATE FAIR COMMISSION TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING AN ASIAN AMERICAN CENTER FOR CULTURAL AND MULTIPLE PURPOSES AT THE NEW MEXICO STATE FAIRGROUNDS.

     WHEREAS, Asian Americans in New Mexico comprise nearly thirty thousand residents and contribute greatly to the cultural, economic and intellectual achievements of New Mexico's society; and

     WHEREAS, the largest projected population growth by percentage is expected for Asian residents, estimated to increase by nearly four percent per year, until 2016; and

     WHEREAS, Asian Americans live and work throughout New Mexico and are an integral part of New Mexico's cultural mix; and

     WHEREAS, Asian Americans have established strong communities in New Mexico with rich and varied traditions, particularly in Albuquerque near the fairgrounds, where a concentration of Asian restaurants and shops exists; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico state fairgrounds boasts three ethnic complexes, villa Hispana, Indian village and the Hoppes African American pavilion; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico state fairgrounds has five art galleries totaling approximately fifty-five thousand square feet: the creative arts; Hispanic arts; fine arts; school arts; and Indian arts; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico state fairgrounds also hosts the African American performing arts center and exhibit hall; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico state fairgrounds has a total of approximately sixty-eight thousand square feet of exhibition space, excluding the art galleries; and

     WHEREAS, an Asian American center would honor, celebrate and teach the significant achievements, sacrifices and contributions of Asian Americans in New Mexico and the United States; and

     WHEREAS, an Asian American center will contribute to the acclaim of the New Mexico state fairgrounds for its art galleries and ethnic complexes; and

     WHEREAS, an Asian American center will generate additional interest and bring visitors to the New Mexico state fairgrounds;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state fair commission be requested to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing and maintaining an Asian American center, which can be used year-round for multiple purposes, and present its findings to the appropriate interim legislative committee no later than November 2009; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the state fair commission.

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