Los Alamos Makers launches Creative Workforce program to grow local creative economy

Los Alamos Makers launched its Creative Workforce Development Program in Los Alamos on Feb. 23, 2026, introducing a hands-on training initiative designed to expand economic opportunity within New Mexico’s creative industry sector. The program is sponsored in part by the New Mexico Creative Industries Division of the Economic Development Department and targets artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs across Northern New Mexico.

The makerspace received a $40,000 Creative Support Organization grant from the New Mexico Creative Industries Division, one of several state awards aimed at building creative-industry capacity. Los Alamos Makers’ website also referenced a January 2026 state investment headline totaling $463,000 to support the creative ecosystem in New Mexico; other publicly listed awardees include gallupARTS ($19,722) and the New Mexico State University Department of Art ($62,500). Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary of the Economic Development Department, said, “Creative industries play an increasingly important role in New Mexico’s economy, and these grants invest in organizations that support creative business growth statewide.”

Program materials outline technical and entrepreneurial training that “equips artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs with the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to move from concept to production.” The curriculum emphasizes design-to-fabrication workflows and hands-on use of tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers, embroidery machines, and sublimation equipment, paired with shared fabrication tools and business mentorship intended to help participants turn digital designs into market-ready products.

Founder Prisca Tiasse framed the initiative as a local bridge between creativity and entrepreneurship. “Los Alamos Makers is an important partner in nurturing local talent and connecting creativity with entrepreneurship. Our hands-on, cross-disciplinary approach—integrating design, fabrication, media arts, and innovation— opens new pathways for residents to transform creative skills into viable careers and businesses. As a recognized hub for creative learning and technical experimentation, Los Alamos Makers is uniquely positioned to lead this workforce development effort,” Tiasse said in the launch materials.

The organization also opened an Entrepreneur-in-Residence program aimed at scientists, engineers, and creative-tech founders who want space to prototype, experiment, and translate early-stage ideas. Los Alamos Makers describes the residency as low-friction and high-flexibility with “No equity. No rigid cohorts. No startup hype. Real projects, real tools, real momentum.”

Public demonstrations and member events will accompany the training rollout. Los Alamos Makers showcased fabricated products such as a 3D-printed ice cream cone storage box, a 3D-printed Oreo cookie storage box, a laser-cut wood carving, and a personalized laser-engraved cutting board at last year’s Science Fest. The group lists its next general meeting and open house for Friday, March 27 at 5 pm, and member meetings are now scheduled every 3rd Friday of the month. Retired scientists, engineers, and craftspeople are invited to join intermittent conversations and project nights under a “No teaching. No long-term commitment. Just experience, shared.” model.

The program arrives amid a regional focus on workforce pipelines; Los Alamos National Laboratory reports eight formal partnerships with regional colleges and high schools for workforce development programs such as Associate of Applied Science degrees and STEM pathways. Los Alamos Makers’ launch signals a local push to convert technical craft and digital fabrication skills into small-scale manufacturing and creative enterprises, reinforcing the county’s identity at the intersection of science, technology, and creativity.