2025 New Mexico Arts Artist Residency - Los Luceros Historic Site

The New Mexico Arts Artist Residency at Los Luceros Historic Site offers a six-week residency period in which artists reside and work in Alcalde, New Mexico. Artists will have access to and are encouraged to interact with the land, culture, and extensive local historic archival materials at the site, visitor center, and surrounding area. The culmination of the residency centers the artist's research and development of new work that showcases ideas and work created during their six-week stay. Public engagement opportunities include, but are not limited to: an artist talk or exhibition, workshop, temporary site-specific installations, performances, etc. Artwork and community engagement should be safe and appropriate for both children and adults, ADA compliant, and should not permanently alter the environment when removed.

Los Luceros Historic Site is located on the traditional lands of Pueblo and Apache peoples. Over 1,000 years of the area's diverse cultural history is on display, with Indigenous, Hispanic, and Anglo-American cultures represented. The centerpiece is a 5,700 square-foot, 18th century Territorial-style adobe home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 148-acre property contains three residences, a 19th century chapel, numerous farm buildings, apple orchards, irrigated pasture, and bosque on the Rio Grande.

Lodging is provided at the River House, a studio bedroom with open floor concept on the second floor of a two-story building. The apartment is fully furnished with a modern kitchen, bathroom with tub and shower, and wrap-around porch. The apartment is accessible by staircase only and does not have an elevator. Artists are responsible for arranging their own transportation and food expenses. The nearest grocery store is Dixon Co-operative Market and Deli, 14 miles north, or a major shopping supercenter in Española, 18 minutes away. Internet access is not provided in the residence but can be accessed in main buildings. Cell service is unreliable but Wi-Fi calling is available.

An all-inclusive stipend of $14,000 will be awarded in two payments: $7,000 upon receipt of signed contract and $7,000 upon completion of public engagement activity. There is no medical or workers' compensation insurance provided; artists must provide personal coverage. All selected artists must enter into a professional services agreement with New Mexico Arts. Residency periods are March 7 – April 18, 2025 and April 25 – June 6, 2025. Application requirements include artist statement (200-300 words), project description (350-500 words), community engagement component description (200-300 words), CV or resume, and 3-10 artwork images with descriptions. Up to 3 sound/video files may be submitted linked from YouTube or Vimeo.