Governor Susana Martinez announced that Meow Wolf will expand in Santa Fe, creating 250 new full-time permanent jobs over the next five years. These positions will include artists, technicians, craftsmen and others that will help the nationally renowned immersive arts experience in Santa Fe continue to grow and thrive.
"New Mexico has always been a hub for creativity and artistry. And now we're expanding one of the world's premiere arts destinations right here in New Mexico," said Governor Martinez. "With tools like LEDA and JTIP, we can diversify our economy and continue to help New Mexico companies grow."
Following the successful opening of the "House of Eternal Return" immersive art exhibit in Santa Fe, Meow Wolf is entering its next stage of growth. Meow Wolf will now create new exhibitions, which will be exported to other locations outside New Mexico.
"We're thrilled to be expanding our facility to bring our art to people around the world," said Meow Wolf CEO Vince Kadlubek. "Thanks to Governor Martinez' expansion of the closing fund, we're able to get bridge funding for this project and create jobs for New Mexican artists. We're looking forward to showing the rest of the world what Meow Wolf and New Mexico has to offer."
New Mexico will provide $850,000 for the expansion through the state's closing fund, known as LEDA, pending the final approval of financing. LEDA is New Mexico's closing fund, which helps recruit new businesses to our state while helping those that are already here grow and thrive. Nearly zeroed out when Governor Martinez took office, she fought to grow this important tool to more than $56 million. In addition to the $850,000 in LEDA funding from the State of New Mexico, the City of Santa Fe will commit $250,000 in LEDA funding to the project.
"We've always been committed to building an economy that works for everyone and creating new jobs where people need them most," said Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales. "I'm thankful to the State and the City Council for their continued investment in creating good-paying jobs on Santa Fe's Southside, and proud of Meow Wolf for achieving great success while adding to the Santa Fe brand of high-quality art and performance experiences.”
Meow Wolf will purchase and renovate a facility to house their office and creative workspace, allowing the team to be under one roof. New Mexico has already awarded over $450,000 to Meow Wolf, through the Job Training Incentive Program, to create 33 jobs. New Mexico's JTIP has been nationally recognized as one of the top job training programs in the country.
"Once again, we're shown how important our economic development incentives are for homegrown companies," said Economic Development Secretary, Matt Geisel. "Through JTIP and LEDA, we will accelerate the expansion of Meow Wolf's New Mexico manufacturing facility, augment their existing enterprise and - most importantly - anchor them in New Mexico."
Meow Wolf is a New Mexico arts production company that creates immersive, multimedia experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of storytelling. At the nexus of art, technology and entertainment this unique fusion gives audiences fictional worlds to explore. To contact Meow Wolf directly, e-mail Vince Kadlubek at Vince@MeowWolf.com.