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Eva Encinias Sandoval, director of the National Institute of Flamenco (NIF) announced today that after 22 years of continuous production, Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque will be suspended in 2009.

The ten-day event features 50 artists from Spain presenting 10 performances and 30+ workshops within all disciplines of the art form. Students from all over the world travel to Albuquerque every June to experience this unique event. In 2007, Festival Flamenco was distinguished in Spain as one of the most important flamenco festivals in the world, and second to no other in the United States.

Encinias Sandoval commented, “Although there have been some faithful supporters of this event, including the University of New Mexico’s Center for Regional Studies and Department of Theatre and Dance, the City of Albuquerque, as well as the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the rising cost of artist fees, immigration, travel, and the increasing value of the euro against the dollar are all factors in the dilemma we face.” The Festival has an operating budget of nearly $500,000.

“While advice to downsize the Festival has been considered, NIF is not willing to compromise the Festival’s status as a world-class event. We believe that flamenco is a vital part of who we are as New Mexicans, therefore, we deserve to experience flamenco at its best,” commented Encinias Sandoval.

NIF has no intention of giving up the tradition of Festival Flamenco permanently, and looks forward to presenting the Festival again in 2010. Encinias Sandoval says, “We are committed as a family to search out additional sources of funding. We believe there are people and businesses locally and nationally who realize the importance of seeing this festival survive.”

The National Institute of Flamenco, a 501c3 non-profit, founded in 1982 operates several programs within its structure, including:
·The National Conservatory of Flamenco Arts
·Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company
·Alma Flamenca
·Niños Flamencos
·Flamenco Kids Camp

“The support of our community is necessary to reestablish Festival Flamenco as one of our most unique New Mexican traditions,” Encinias Sandoval notes. For more information on how to get involved, contact the National Institute of Flamenco at 505-242-7600.