Thinking big: NM Arts Public Places Program seeks large-scale public art pieces from artists

Aug. 6—Public art.

These pieces add to a community, all while sparking conversation.

The Art in Public Places Program of New Mexico Arts is looking for artists to submit artwork available for purchase. The invitation is to artists in the Southwest — Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico.

AIPP Coordinator Olivia Amaya Ortiz says the initiative presents pathways to effectively foster community access to the arts, as well as contribute to the aesthetic value of public places.

"The Large Scale Purchase Initiative is a great opportunity for artists of the Southwest to celebrate shared histories across state borders," Amaya Ortiz says. "By entering their artwork for consideration, artists from a broad and diverse background may contribute to civic engagement and discourse within New Mexico communities."

According to the process, artwork will be purchased for publicly accessible buildings throughout New Mexico.

According to Amaya Ortiz, the facilities encompass a broad range of use including, but not limited to — schools, museums, amphitheaters, animal shelters, community centers, courthouses, educational institutions, fire stations, healthcare facilities, recreation complexes, rest areas, senior centers and more.

Participating sites will have a total budget equal to 1% of recent capital outlay for new construction or major renovation projects.

Artworks must be submitted with an "all-inclusive" price (artwork, identification plaque, delivery, and secure/permanent installation on site, including any concrete pad required). A total budget of $200,000 is available to purchase artworks, inclusive of all associated costs.

The deadline for artists to apply is 4 p.m. Sept. 29. To learn more and to apply to Prospectus #273, visit nmarts.org/current-opportunities.