Society of the Muse of the Southwest

Who are we?
Based in Taos, New Mexico, SOMOS, the Society of the Muse of the Southwest, supports and nurtures the literary arts, both written and spoken, honoring cultural diversity in the Southwest. Our vision is to see a community culturally enhanced and enriched through heightened literacy. Our programs include: Taos Writers Conference, Poetry Month, Writers Series, Prose Month, Taos Poet Laureate, Taos Storytelling Festival, Young Writers Program, Used Bookstore, Taos Author Books and an ongoing schedule of workshops, readings, classes and literary events.

Why this capital campaign?
SOMOS is securing its place in Taos, a place where words matter – because words can change worlds.  With this belief, we ask you to join SOMOS in securing a place in Taos that honors words – both written and spoken. Our place is located at 108 Civic Plaza Drive, within the emerging creative corridor, allowing SOMOS one of the most desirable locations possible for growing our influence and reach.

Who will benefit?
Generations of Taoseños and visitors to Taos of all ages and backgrounds. Writers, readers, poets, storytellers and all who love words! 

Why now?  
An unexpected bequest received in late 2016 from Sue Carol Francis of Fort Collins, Colorado, has allowed us to make a down payment on our current property. 

Thanks to the generosity of our community we have almost reached our goal of $330,000 to pay off the mortgage by May 2019. We are launching this Go Fund Me campaign to take us to the "homestretch" and finish our Capital Campaign.  Additional proceeds raised will be used for infrastructure improvements. 

What impact will owning a building have? 
We believe the impact of SOMOS on this community is strengthened by location, ease of access, and the security that comes with ownership. By owning this building, our finances will be protected by reduced overhead, allowing us to launch new programs aimed at engaging the community with literacy, literature and story. We know our mission is not to own real estate; however, building a permanent presence is part of our vision.

It is with the collective support of community members like you that we can realize our goal of making this vision for Taos a reality.

How will donors be recognized?
All donors who contribute $1,000 or more will be permanently recognized on site at 108 Civic Plaza Drive. Unless individual donors indicate otherwise, 10% of capital-campaign donations will go toward annual SOMOS programs. Donors who prefer to remain anonymous will be honored as such.

SOMOS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Your contribution is fully tax-deductible.

Find out more about SOMOS.