ACD Grant - Creative Conduit
Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District is working to create a more vibrant, welcoming downtown through public art, creative placemaking, and community partnerships. Our vision is to connect people, businesses, artists, and public spaces while celebrating the unique identity of Los Alamos. Through artist residencies, public installations, performances, workshops, and interactive experiences, we're transforming downtown into a place where creativity thrives and people want to gather, explore, and return.
Featured Projects
Welcome to Los Alamos!
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A gateway project designed to create a memorable first impression for visitors while encouraging residents to rediscover downtown.
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A welcoming community gathering space
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Outdoor seating, shade, lighting, and public art
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A large postcard-style mural celebrating Los Alamos
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Artist-led workshops and community participation
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Enhanced spaces supporting nearby businesses and food truck activity
Voltage Visions
Creativity becomes the thread that ties downtown together.
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Youth-designed utility box artwork
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Interactive downtown exploration experience
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Artist-in residence as project lead
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Community storytelling through public art
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Partnerships with LAC and YMCA Teen Center
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Opportunities for residents and visitors to discover downtown in new ways
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Professional development in electrical box murals for teens
The Future is Now
This project transforms existing downtown spaces into creative gathering places for everyday use.
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A small outdoor performance stage
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Public seating and gathering areas
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Lighting and infrastructure for community events
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Interactive art installations
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Creative spaces connecting restaurants, shops, makerspaces, and cultural venues
These improvements will support spontaneous performances, community events, and year-round activity.
Mainstreet's Summer Intern
Marcellus Ferrell is an artist from Los Alamos, New Mexico. He is currently studying for his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts at New Mexico State University. He works to digitally design products and branding for local organizations. The importance and resiliency of local businesses has been a large inspiration for him to work with Los Alamos Main Street to help foster community and commercial development.
The internship provides hands-on workforce development through mentorship and real-world experience in nonprofit marketing, creative placemaking, and community-centered design while strengthening the Creative District's visibility and long-term capacity.
Community Partnerships
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Los Alamos Arts Council
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Mainstreet Marketplace
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Los Alamos Makers
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SALA Event Center
- Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse
- Los Alamos Teen Center
- Dance Arts Los Alamos
- Los Alamos Little Theater
- Los Alamos National Historical Park
- Local businesses, artists, and community organizations
Supporting Local Artists
Artists are central to this initiative.Through artist residencies, workshops, public commissions, and professional development opportunities, local and regional artists will collaborate directly with the community to create meaningful public spaces that reflect the character of Los Alamos.
Looking Ahead
This work is part of a long-term vision for the Los Alamos Creative District.
As our downtown continues to grow, these projects will create stronger connections between parks, businesses, cultural destinations, and public spaces-making downtown more walkable, welcoming, and memorable for both residents and visitors.
By investing in creativity today, we're building a more vibrant Los Alamos for generations to come.
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