So rather than conduct a readers’ poll that inevitably leads to rampant, self-serving ballot stuffing, Local iQ made the risky decision to take a different approach. We decided to seek out the opinions of people who know a few things about local art, music, theater, film, food, drink, nightlife, day trips, spa treatments, dive bars, nearby hikes, et al.

 

Our strategy in last year’s Smart List was to compile the opinions of experienced culture seekers in the community, all the while, reminding ourselves that diversity is key. So in similar fashion to 2008’s Smart List, Local iQ distributed ballots to a culture rich lot that was made up of people who represented a wide-variety of professions, backgrounds, interests and hobbies. Ballots were sent to teachers, doctors, students, musicians, artists, bankers, entrepreneurs, real-estate agents, photographers, journalists, curators, designers, planners, stylists, lawyers, critics, stylemakers and a few regular folks thrown in for good measure.

Our esteemed judging panel voted on more than 100 categories that profile the finest culture this desert town has to offer. And though we recognize that there’s enough brilliance in this city to necessitate four times the exhaustive amount of voting that we compiled, we narrowed our judging panel to 100 of the city’s most discriminating citizens, none of whom were on last year’s panel. As expected, not everyone returned our ballot. Those that did — an abbreviated list of judges  follows (many chose to remain anonymous) — sure knew their stuff. Local iQ’s strictly non-voting staff emphatically agreed with many of the top picks on the ballot.

Of course, not every corner of greater ABQ culture has been covered here. So if there is a category you’d like to see on next year’s Smart List ballot, please post a comment at the end of this story.

Local iQ would like to extend a gracious thanks to this year’s Smart List judges for taking the time to offer their valued opinions. And, since the magazine’s three year mark is fast approaching, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our readers. Your loyalty and interest has allowed us to keep putting ink to paper and bringing ABQ a small taste of all that this city has to offer. The best is yet to come. —Local iQ

4516 Central NE, 505.268.8080

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