Albuquerque Teen Arts and Entertainment Center

Warehouse 508

(505) 296-2738

The City bought the 27,000 square foot Ice House property in 2006 with the intention of creating the Albuquerque Teen Arts and Entertainment Center which would provide a safe venue for entertainment and educational opportunities for young people in Albuquerque.  The purchase and renovation of the property has provided an opportunity for the City to establish its commitment to provide a safe, creative center, where young people can spend their time developing artistic talents and unique skill sets in the performing arts.  The center, located at 508 First Street NW, opened in October 2009.

Department of Family and Community Services, with the assistance of a dedicated and hard working group of young people, released an RFP in April 2008 seeking proposals from non-profit organizations interested in operating the Teen Center.  The Review Committee including 4 young people and Ana Gallegos y Reinhardt, the Executive Director of Warehouse 21 in Santa Fe, recommended the contract be awarded to Albuquerque- based New Mexico Xtreme Sports (NMX Sports).

NMX Sports provides supervised and structured trips for young people focused on non-traditional or “extreme” sports. They introduce many sports to young people; however, their primary activities include skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, rock climbing, mountain biking, BMX and wakeboarding.  They also do various athletic competitions, lifestyle events, concerts, video production, and provide opportunities for community involvement.  Amy Dalness is the Director for Warehouse 508.

Program Objectives

• Provide quality entertainment with a variety of music and arts programming for young people.
• Provide access and education to young people who want to get involved in learning the production of music arts and events.
• Provide emerging musicians the opportunity to perform and gain exposure in a professional environment.
• Build/coordinate programs that are flexible and responsive to youth interests and needs.
• Build opportunities for youth participation in delivery of programs.
• Employ talented and committed professional staff to create opportunity for youth engagement.
• Collaborate with community partners to create complementary programs.
• Ensure that the partners, board, staff and volunteers reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of our city.
• Provide referrals to other agencies and organizations when there are needs beyond the scope and mission of program.

For more information, please visit warehouse508.org