New Mexico is a state rich in Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and contemporary art. Major exhibits can be seen at the University of New Mexico Art Museum in Albuquerque, and the Art Museum of the Harwood Foundation in Taos. Taos itself is an artists' colony of renown.
The Santa Fe Opera, one of the nation's most distinguished regional opera companies, has its season during July and August. The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra (also called the Albuquerque Symphony Orchestra, established in 1932) and the Orchestra Chorus present a variety of musical programs from classical to pops.
The Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival began in 1972 and has since become quite well known nationwide. Following the annual event, festival ensembles have traveled throughout the country. There is also an annual Santa Fe Jazz and International Music Festival.
In 2003, New Mexico Arts and other New Mexico arts organizations received grants totaling $978,800 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). State and private sources also contribute funding to the state's arts programs. The state offers arts education programs to approximately 26,600 schoolchildren. New Mexico has about 200 arts associations and 55 local arts councils. New Mexico Arts has contributed funding to promote multicultural arts programs that reflect the Spanish and American Indian cultural influences of the area. The Arts Division also sponsors the Dance on Tour Initiative to help traveling dance companies. The New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities was founded in 1972. In 2000, the National Endowment for the Humanities contributed $1,1225,076 for 13 state programs.