Las Cruces

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In 2014, an ACD Task Force was formed to explore opportunities to create an ACD in Las Cruces. The Task Force was anchored by the Doña Ana Arts Council, Downtown Las Cruces Partnership, and the City. In 2015, the Task Force re-formed into a cross-sector, 11-member ACD Coordinating Council and began developing the first “municipally-designated” ACD in New Mexico. The Council researched the designated New Mexico districts, national trends, and outcomes of other districts, and determined that the establishment of a unique cultural identity was paramount.

The City of Las Cruces requested to be designated as a State-Authorized district in 2018 and the New Mexico Arts Commission unanimously approved the request. The City Council adopted a municipally-designated Arts & Cultural District Plan in July 2018, after a nine-month process administered by the City’s Arts & Cultural Coordinating Council.

The District has been hosting cultural events such The Prado in Las Cruces, and a three-month long exhibit of artwork from the Prado Museum in Spain which was featured in downtown Las Cruces. The district is also looking for strategic funding opportunities to support cultural activities, placemaking initiatives, and increased events and attendance.

The district contains 21 arts assets—museums, galleries, theatres; 1 library; 14 restaurants, 1 coffee house; 27 arts-complementary businesses; 8 historic buildings/sites and at least 100 homes or buildings built from 1870 to the 1950’s, which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Cultural Properties.

Learn more about Las Cruces:

• City of Las Cruces Economic Development Department
• City of Las Cruces Quality of Life Department
• Las Cruces Museum System
• City Art Board
• Downtown Las Cruces Partnership
• Doña Ana Arts Council

Website:
downtownlascruces.org

Facebook:
facebook.com/DowntownLasCruces

Contact:
(575) 525-1955
director@dlcp.org
assistant@dlcp.org

Liana Angrisani Stewart

Downtown Las Cruces Partnership Executive Director

Liana Angrisani Stewart brings a unique blend of creativity, resilience, and community-focused leadership to the role, with a strong background in public health, kinesiology, and small business development.

Angrisani’s career has been defined by innovation and empowerment. At New Mexico State University’s Department of Kinesiology, she taught college-level courses and continues to guest lecture. She was appointed Wellness Coordinator for NMSU’s AggieFit program at an early age, leading campus-wide wellness initiatives and managing operations, staffing, and outreach.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched Stack’d Cookie Co., a now-thriving, award-winning cottage bakery known for its bold New York-style cookies. Her experience as a small business owner gives her a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing downtown entrepreneurs, non-profits, and agencies. Originally from New York City, Angrisani has called Las Cruces home for many years. She is passionate about the vitality of downtown and its historic districts and is committed to championing the DLCP’s vision.