Southwest New Mexico ACT exists to preserve, enhance, and sustain rural economic development initiatives and the creative economy in Southwestern New Mexico. We spearhead community collaboration through cultural and historic preservation; sponsor and engage the region in arts and cultural events; inspire and promote outdoor recreation, education, and tourism initiatives.
CO. STARTERS is a ten-week, cohort-based program that equips entrepreneurs of all kinds with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action. The only real prerequisites to joining the program are (1) having an idea, (2) being willing to question, shape and fine-tune that idea, and (3) being willing to talk about the idea with others.
Phase One of the Five Points Initiative began in 2020 with restoration and renovation of the Historic Waterworks Site. This project is a collaborative partnership between swnmACT and the Town of Silver City.
The Waterworks Site will offer camping opportunities for locals and visitors and will act as a waystation for CDT hikers, with secure campsites and amenities such as composting toilets, solar showers, and a camping kitchen.
Additional site amenities include an Outdoor Education Pavilion for community events and classroom space on a cultural-ecological-historical campus, along with restoration of the Historic Waterworks Building (also known as “The Rock House”) into a Cultural Center, and the creation of an urban trail along Silva Creek, linking the Waterworks site to downtown Silver City.
In collaboration with efforts to link Grant County communities via road, bike trails and walkways, the Five Points Initiative supports and expands upon county-wide development in the outdoor recreation sector. The proximity to Historic Fort Bayard will increase tourism activity and cultural programming prospects, as well as enhance connections to the Gila National Forest, Gila River, and Aldo Leopold Wilderness, for locals and tourists to further explore the innumerable natural assets of Southwest New Mexico.
For a comprehensive overview of Five Points, access the American Institute of Architects - Communities by Design Report below:
Towards programming that fosters creative economy in Grant County and the surrounding communities.
Southwest New Mexico ACT has been serving Grant County and the surrounding communities since 2012.
Through various forms of programming including CO.STARTERS, AmeriCorps, YCC and the Five Points Initiative.
Southwest New Mexico ACT focuses on cooperative initiatives for creative and entrepreneurial enterprises that involve partnering with local, regional, and national organizations to create multi-generational experiences and connections that exist throughout our diverse cultural corridor.
Southwest New Mexico ACT is always looking for volunteers to assist with our many projects. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date with all our projects and opportunities! Make a donation if you can, even the smallest amount makes the biggest difference here!
