In recent years, tourism has also become an important economic contributor. Silver City's population is currently 12,500 while Grant County has swollen to 28,740. As the county seat, Silver City is the educational and cultural center for Grant, Luna and Hidalgo counties. Western New Mexico University has served as a hub of higher learning since 1893. The Mimbres Region Arts Council provides ongoing performances, exhibits and arts education in the schools.
Festivals draw crowds from around the region.
The San Vicente Artists sponsor an arts festival in the Big Ditch annually, and the new annual Renaissance Fair is growing in popularity. Rodeos, a Bird and Nature Fest, and Cowboy Poetry festivals also enhance the cultural atmosphere of this small yet thriving town. Downtown, Main Street Project has helped transform Bullard and Broadway streets by assisting businesses with restoration projects. Sidewalks were recently replaced, and trees were planted throughout. A project is underway to acquire historic replicas of pedestrian streetlamps.