The Questa Art Tour is among dozens of cultural, recreational and community projects receiving funding through a record-setting round of Taos County Lodger’s Tax grants.
The Taos County Board of Commissioners approved 47 grant awards totaling $649,918 for Fiscal Year 2027 during its Jun. 9 meeting, marking a nearly 59% increase from the previous spring grant cycle, when $409,085 was awarded to 30 organizations.
Among the recipients is the Questa Creative Council, which received $18,428 to promote the 2026 and 2027 Questa Art Tour, an annual event that showcases artists and creative spaces throughout the village and surrounding area.
County officials said the record number of applications reflects growing demand for tourism marketing funds across Taos County.
The grants are funded through the Taos County Lodger’s Tax Grant Program, which supports advertising, publicity and promotion for tourist-related events, attractions and facilities. State law limits the use of lodger’s tax revenue to marketing and promotional activities intended to attract visitors.
Applications were reviewed by the Taos County Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board, which evaluated proposals based on criteria including cultural preservation, community impact, innovation and the ability to attract visitors while benefiting local residents.
“These investments of Lodger’s Tax funds reflect support for a broad range of activities and facilities across Taos County that support both our residents and provide positive experiences for visitors,” County Manager Brent Jaramillo said in a statement. “We are grateful to the Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board and the County Commissioners for their due diligence and to the grantees for making Taos County a great place to live, work, and visit.”
The funded projects represent a broad cross-section of Taos County, including museums, festivals, outdoor recreation events, music performances, cultural celebrations and educational programming.
Notable awards included $43,541 to the Harwood Museum of Art, $39,875 for the 2027 Taos Film Festival, $34,580 for Wumaniti Earth Native Sanctuary’s War Horse Path events and tournament, and $29,100 for the University of New Mexico’s OTaosuCon 2027.
Other recipients include the Red River Chamber of Commerce, which received $26,338 for Oktoberfest, and Red River Events Inc., which was awarded $25,860 for the 8750′ Festival.
County officials said the funding is intended to strengthen tourism while highlighting the region’s unique culture, heritage and recreational opportunities.
The next application cycle for the Taos County Lodger’s Tax Grant Program will run from Aug. 17 through Sept. 17. Eligible organizations can apply through the county’s online grant portal after reviewing program guidelines and eligibility requirements.