Moving Arts Española
Supporting the Next Generation
All children deserve a superior arts education that inspires them, a safe place to be after school, and access to nutritious food. Moving Arts Española is providing that to about 450 kids per week. Built out of an extracurricular program at Española Public Schools in the 90’s, Moving Arts Española is a need-responsive arts education center founded by Roger Montoya and Salvador Ruiz-Esquivel.
Children ages 3-18 can stay at Moving Arts after school from 4 to 7 pm. They take classes ranging from Fashion Design to Flamenco, are served a healthy meal, and receive tutoring to support their academic journey. Children are then picked up by their parents — physically tired, bellies full, homework done, and creatively fulfilled. As the kids get older, they are encouraged and nurtured to become community leaders.
Children ages 12-18 are both assistants and instructors in many of the programs. The Santa Fe Community Foundation is proud to have Moving Arts Española among our grantees, and they continue to make astounding impacts on the Española community. As a smiley, eight year-old girl happily told Mr. Montoya one day, “Moving Arts lets me be who I am.”
Chama Valley Arts
Chama Valley Arts cultivates creativity, learning, and community through arts and culture. They collaborate with local schools, offer youth and adult classes, camps at their arts center, and are opening a new pottery studio.
Cornerstones Community Partnerships
Since 1986, Cornerstones has worked in partnership with communities to restore historic structures, preserve cultural landscapes, encourage traditional building practices, and conserve natural resources.
League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County
The League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County is empowering the next generation of voters through its innovative High School Voter Registration Program. This student-driven initiative trains high schoolers as certified Voter Registration Agents (VRAs), equipping them to register their peers and foster civic leadership. In Fall 2024, nine student VRAs registered 500 new voters through school partnerships, friendly competitions, and mentorship—proving that youth-led outreach can meaningfully boost civic participation. With added focus on media literacy and combating misinformation, this program goes beyond registration to build informed, engaged citizens. By uniting students, educators, and community leaders, LWVSFC is laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive democracy.
