Community Matters: Arts, Culture & Our Creative Safety Net
Raashan Ahmad, Vital Spaces
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
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What role do artists play in building a thriving community? On this episode of Community Matters, host Christopher Goett sits down with Raashan Ahmad of Vital Spaces to discuss the importance of supporting New Mexico's creative community. Together, they explore how affordable creative spaces, community partnerships, and programs like Unhoused Art are helping artists thrive, and why a vibrant arts and culture ecosystem is an essential part of our community's safety net.
Raashan Ahmad is a father, musician, poet, community worker, and DJ. He has released six critically -acclaimed albums which have taken him to over thirty-five countries around the world. This, in turn, has led him down a path of international collaboration across artistic mediums, borders, and cultures. Raashan loves the intersection of the arts & community and is passionate about equity and access to the arts, he is the artistic/executive director of Vital Spaces, a former Arts Commissioner for the city of Santa Fe, founder of the EMPOWER! Black Futures Community Fund, sits on the advisory board for the National Parks Arts Foundation and is a director & producer of video and storytelling projects. Raashan lives by the Emma Goldman quote “If I can’t dance I don’t want to be in your revolution,” so is also passionate about throwing the best dance parties. He brings his passion for building connections across barriers that can divide communities to his work at Vital Spaces.
About Community Matters
Our monthly radio show invites subject experts and community leaders to talk about the challenges and inequities our region faces and possible solutions that could contribute to its growth. Hosted by Santa Fe Community Foundation staff, Community Matters airs on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:00 PM on KSFR (101.1 FM). Listen to past episodes here.
Community Matters: Equity & Belonging
What does equity look like in practice? On this episode, Dr. Corrine Sanchez, Executive Director of Tewa Women United, reflects on her 30 years of experience in Indigenous justice, healing, and advocacy and shares how equity can show up inside our organizations, communities, and lives.
Community Matters: New Mexico's Healthcare Landscape
New Mexico faces one of the most severe healthcare worker shortages in the country, and the consequences are felt deeply by local communities. In our May episode, host Christopher Goett sits down with Fred Nathan, Executive Director of Think New Mexico, to discuss what’s driving the shortage, what the research reveals about long-term solutions, and which reforms gained traction during the 2026 legislative session.
Community Matters: Environment & Land Stewardship
On this episode, we're joined by Mark Allison of New Mexico Wild to explore the importance of protecting New Mexico’s public lands and waters. From the role these shared landscapes play in our culture, economy, and quality of life to threats like climate change, federal policy shifts, impacts to Chaco Canyon, and the proposed Terrero Mine in the Upper Pecos watershed, we explore what’s at stake — and how community members can take action to help protect the places that define northern New Mexico.
