SENATE MEMORIAL 1

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Timothy M. Keller

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE STATE FAIR COMMISSION AND EXPO NEW MEXICO TO FACILITATE DIALOGUE BETWEEN ALL INTERESTED PARTIES AND ASSESS ISSUES SURROUNDING ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING AN ASIAN AMERICAN CENTER FOR CULTURAL AND MULTIPLE PURPOSES AT EXPO NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, Asian Americans in New Mexico comprise 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 for the next several years; 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 Expo New Mexico, where a concentration of Asian restaurants and shops exists; and

     WHEREAS, Expo New Mexico boasts three ethnic complexes, villa Hispana, Indian village and the Alicia K. Hoppes African American pavilion; and

     WHEREAS, Expo New Mexico provides approximately fifty-five thousand square feet to five art galleries, individually featuring the creative arts, Hispanic arts, fine arts, school arts and Indian arts; and

     WHEREAS, Expo New Mexico also hosts the Sheryl Williams Stapleton African American performing arts center and exhibit hall; and

     WHEREAS, Expo New Mexico 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 provide education on 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 Expo New Mexico for its art galleries and ethnic complexes; and

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

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state fair commission and Expo New Mexico be requested to facilitate dialogue between all interested parties; assess issues surrounding establishing, siting, locating and maintaining an Asian American center that can be used year-round for multiple purposes at Expo New Mexico; and submit reports summarizing the progress of the discussions to the community and the appropriate legislative committee in October 2011 and October 2012; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state fair commission and the general manager of Expo New Mexico.

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