From grassroots involvement to inspiring a community of families.

Meeting the changing needs of our youth and local community has required taking the long view of progress over time. The journey began twenty five years ago as an in-school arts enrichment program throughout the Española primary schools. We now offer a year-round creative and experiential learning afterschool including summer programming to cultivate thriving children, youth, and young adults. Our curriculums expanded beyond the arts to include technology and science.

Founded on the unwavering dedication of Roger Montoya and Salvador Ruiz Esquivel who have built their lives around combining the arts, learning, and creativity, Moving Arts is now entering a new chapter of growth. One where the reach of services increases, the dedication to achieving a vibrant and resilient community is delivered on, and where students continue to find their unique voice and identity, one child at a time.

ABOUT SALVADOR RUIZ ESQUIVeL

Prior to receiving the prestigious Univisionario recognition in 2022 as a top ten entrepreneur among Hispanic Americans, Salvador has worked continuously tirelessly for the arts in his career. He believes that education through the arts is essential in the growth and development of a healthy child, and utilizes his extensive business background to bring responsive programming to children and youth. In 2023, his work was included in the United States Congressional Record and he was a 2024 recipient of the Hopkins Award for Excellence in Ethical Practice by a non-profit given by Central New Mexico Community College.

ABOUT ROGER MONTOYA

Roger is an American humanitarian, painter, former professional dancer and gymnast, and a former politician who served as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from the 40th district. For over 10 years, Roger’s Arts in the Schools program raised $4M while employing 75 artists across 276 classrooms impacting over 3,000 children. He was recognized in 2019 as a CNN Hero for his visionary programming at Moving Arts Española. An ancestral native of Northern New Mexico, Roger is recognized for his efforts in using the arts to address trauma, violence, and poverty.