OffCenter Arts New Works Program
OffCenter Arts is excited to be hosting the third round of our artist professional development and art creation program: New Works! In partnership with the state of New Mexico’s Creative Industries Division, New Works is designed to support underserved and early-career artists (of all ages).
This 12-week professional development program provides artists with educational workshops, a peer-network of artists, plus materials and support to create new, original artwork. Participants work will be exhibited in a final exhibition this November. The New Works program is a unique and welcoming opportunity for artists seeking professional development support and the opportunity to deeply engage with a community of creatives.
Applications for the 2026 co-hort are open
now through July 31.
Email Mika@OffCenterArts.org with questions.
New Works 2026
The program will run from August through early November, with an orientation meeting in August, and a final group exhibition during ABQ Artwalk on Friday, November 6.
Each participant will have the opportunity to attend a series of 11 small-group workshops including professional development classes and supportive group critiques. Participants will receive materials to create one to four new, original pieces of artwork, as well as a $300 stipend for completing the program. At the end of the program, the artwork created will be part of a group exhibition. Artists will have the opportunity to offer their artwork for sale.
This opportunity is geared towards artists working with two-dimensional artwork, including but not limited to painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed-media and photography. Fiber arts, relief work, and sculpture are welcome but materials support will be limited.
Applications are open to artists currently residing in the Albuquerque area (including Bernalillo County and surrounding central New Mexico area). Traditionally underserved and underrepresented artists, including artists of color, unhoused artists, disabled artists, and LGBTQIA2S+ artists will be prioritized for inclusion in this program. Artists at any point in their creative life are welcome to apply; the program is designed for early-career creative entrepreneurs with little experience selling their work. (Artists that participated in the first round of the New Works program in 2023-2024 are welcome to apply, but priority will be given to new applicants. Participants from the 2025 round of the New Works program are not eligible to apply for this round.)
Participants should be available weekly for 3 hours of workshop time at OffCenter on Mondays from 5-8 pm August 17 through November 2.
Program highlights:
Small group cohort of creatives.
Weekly meetings including workshops, panels, small group critiques, and opportunities for mentorship and connection.
Materials provided for creation of 1-4 new art works.
Stipend for completion of program.
Final group exhibition and opportunity to sell artwork at FUSION in November, 2026.
This 12-week professional development program provides artists with educational workshops, a peer-network of artists, plus materials and support to create new, original artwork. The New Works program is a unique and welcoming opportunity for artists seeking professional development support.
New Works 2025
In 2025, OffCenter Arts presented the second round of our artist professional development & art creation program: New Works!
In partnership with the City of Albuquerque Public Art & UETF, New Works was designed to support underserved artists and connect the city with new artwork from local artists.
Exhibited at FUSION in 2025, the artwork created for this program includes stained glass, painting, collage, mixed media, and photography. 70 pieces created by 22 participants and one program volunteer. This exhibition showcased what individuals can create when given the tools and support to cross boundaries and claim their own creative expression.
Working in a variety of media, this diverse group of artists are united in their boundary-crossing experiences. Whether those boundaries are geographic borders, common social barriers such as housing status, or any of the many restrictive cultural boundaries placed on creative expression, these artists create work that expands their own and viewers' expectations.
At right: Divine Delight by shiloh burton; below: Enchanted Nook by Esperanza Dodge.
Period, by Renee Rajhi, created for the 2023/24 New Works Program and purchased by CABQ Public Art.
All Sleep is Seeds by Arlaina Ash; created for the 2023/24 New Works Program and purchased by CABQ Public Art. (Prints available for sale in the OffCenter Gallery!)
On the Other Side, by Darla Wirth, created for the 2023/24 New Works Program and purchased by CABQ Public Art.
Workshops cover topics from writing your artist statement and bio to getting finished work framed, and ready to hang. Learn about approaching galleries, photographing your work, plus marketing and talking about your work. Supportive critique groups offered the opportunity for peer and facilitator feedback on works in progress and participants honed their vision for the new work they were creating. The entire program is formatted to offer support for underserved artists, especially those that may have difficulty accessing other artists opportunities or completing traditional professional development programs.
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Look Up by Christopher Hollis; created for the 2023/24 New Works Program and purchased by CABQ Public Art.
In 2023 & 2024 OffCenter Arts partnered with the City of Albuquerque to host the first New Works Program, an artist professional development program for underserved artists. 29 artists completed the two month program consisting of weekly workshops and critique group meetings. Workshops covered topics from writing your artist statement and bio to getting finished work framed, photographed, and ready to hang. Supportive critique groups offered the opportunity for peer and facilitator feedback on works in progress and participants honed their vision for the new work they were creating.
In the end, participants presented the City of ABQ’s Public Art department with over 64 pieces of artwork. The Arts Board and art selection committee selected 44 pieces from 25 artists to purchase and add to the city’s Public Art Collection! Most of the artwork has now been installed at the Gateway Center, along with several pieces from ArtStreet. Read more about the installation here.