By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – After more than 30 years of serving New Mexico through arts, culture and education, Dr. Shelle Sanchez is closing one chapter and looking forward to the next.
Sanchez recently retired as director of the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture after leading the department for eight and a half years. During her tenure, she oversaw the city’s museums, libraries, ABQ BioPark, public art program and other cultural institutions while helping expand access to arts and cultural experiences across Albuquerque.
When Sanchez accepted the role in early 2018, she envisioned building upon Albuquerque’s already rich cultural landscape.
“I was really excited about being part of the infrastructure of arts and culture in our city,” says Sanchez. “Hopefully strengthening those, but also strengthening the networks of artists and nonprofits throughout the city, not just what the city is directly in charge of.”
Like many leadership positions, however, the role quickly proved more complex than she had imagined. “No job is what you think it’s going to be,” says Sanchez.
Managing 36 properties and approximately 400 employees, while navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, required constant adaptability. “When you’re a government agency and a government program, you have to respond to not only what you’re looking forward to five and ten years out, but what the reality is on the ground.” says Sanchez.
Despite those challenges, Sanchez leaves behind a department shaped by both physical improvements and lasting relationships. During her tenure, the city opened the International District Library, advanced major improvements at the ABQ BioPark, strengthened public art investments, helped reestablish the Creative Bravos Awards, expanded creative economy initiatives and played a key role in planning Route 66 Centennial programming.
Still, when asked what she is most proud of, Sanchez did not point to buildings or programs. “I’m really proud of the leadership that I was able to hire,” Sanchez told The Paper. “I think when you invest in the right people, that’s where there for me is the most sense of accomplishment and hope and optimism for the future.”
Her leadership philosophy has always centered on collaboration. Sanchez believes that meaningful accomplishments are never achieved alone. “Anything that’s really big and lasting or powerful or impactful is the result of a lot of people’s effort,” says Sanchez.
Whether constructing a new library or launching a citywide initiative, Sanchez explains that success depends on architects, city staff, elected officials, community partners and countless others working toward a shared goal.
That collaborative mindset also shaped how she viewed public service. “The reason I was able to do it for so long is because I truly, truly believed that the public was my boss,” says Sanchez. “I had to ultimately think, who am I doing this for? I am doing this for public good.”
Throughout her career, Sanchez has championed the idea that arts and culture are essential to thriving communities. She credits Albuquerque’s vibrant cultural scene not only to recent efforts, but to generations of investment by residents and civic leaders.
“Taxpayers keep saying yes. And mayors and city councilors keep saying yes. Let’s invest and prioritize the arts,” says Sanchez. “That’s why we have such a vibrant scene and why we have such a really strong infrastructure of public spaces that are publicly managed.”
As she steps into retirement, Sanchez says she has no detailed roadmap for what comes next. “I’ve retired from public service. I don’t think I’ve retired from working.”
Instead, she plans to spend more time with her grandchildren and family while returning to work that first inspired her, including leading workshops, facilitating retreats and making space for her own creativity.
Looking back on her career, Sanchez says she leaves with gratitude.
“I’m really thankful to Mayor Keller because he gave me this opportunity,” says Sanchez. “My family’s been so supportive. I had the best team in Arts & Culture at the city.”
For Sanchez, her greatest legacy is not any single project or recognition. It is knowing she helped strengthen institutions that will continue serving Albuquerque for generations, while leaving them in the hands of people who care deeply about the community they serve.