ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The City of Albuquerque has run the KiMo Theatre downtown on Central since the 1970s. However, with a lack of events inside, a new plan could now hand over operations to a new partner. “It’s absolutely frustrating. This is the jewel of Route 66, arguably, and it’s just closed up with bars,” said Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquin Baca.
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Baca’s attitude toward downtown’s KiMo Theatre is something he’s felt for years. “I think back to pre-COVID. My kids and I would come here all the time, whether it was a movie or an actual show. It was open most of the time,” Baca added.
A few months ago, Baca proposed requiring the KiMo to have at least 12 events per month, hoping to activate the well-known space. “It’s essentially like the other buildings across the street that have been empty. Part of the blight of downtown,” said Councilor Baca.
Baca dropped his proposal after agreeing on a different idea with the Arts and Culture Department. Just before the historic KiMo Theatre turns 100 years old in 2027, the City of Albuquerque wants to find an organization to run the place, hoping it would mean more events at the venue. “Right now, we’re preparing to put a request for proposals out into the community to see if there’s a right partner out there,” said Albuquerque Department of Arts and Culture Director Shelle Shanchez.
That partner would be a third party operating the theatre instead of the city. Once they post a “request for proposals” this month, Albuquerque City Council will eventually pick the new operator. Whoever runs it will get paid to do so, but will also be expected to make money on entertainment.
“We want someone, or an organization, or maybe a consortium of organizations to come in that have good experience in performing arts, that understand the technical side of the theater,” said Sanchez.
Like the new rules on property owners who have vacant buildings downtown, Councilor Baca hopes the KiMo operation agreement helps raise the bar. “This is holding the city to the same standard, essentially. We are also accountable,” said Baca.
The city is hoping to contract the KiMo to a new managing organization by the end of the year.
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