Art in Public Places Program - Coloring Book Illustrations Commission

The Art in Public Places (AIPP) Program of New Mexico Arts seeks 15 artists to create double page coloring book illustrations for the 2023 DCA Activity Book. Selected artists will be commissioned to create a double page spread coloring book illustration in response to a poem by New Mexico Poet Laureate Lauren Camp and the themes of togetherness, community, and environment. The project explores how New Mexicans contribute, connect, protect, maintain, and grow our environment, communities, and culture.

Coloring book illustrations must be black and white, approximately 11" x 17" in landscape orientation (template will be provided). Any text will be added during final book assembly and design. Once finalized and assembled, books will be printed and distributed across New Mexico through local libraries and partners, with rural communities as a priority for distribution. Artists will be paid $2,000 per completed double page spread illustration, which includes all fees and expenses associated with the project.

Applicants must submit up to ten images of previously completed artwork demonstrating their style, technique, and perspective, along with an artist statement or letter of interest (no longer than 5,000 characters) explaining what excites them about the opportunity and how they would approach the project. This opportunity is open to all artists working in New Mexico. Current employees or family members of current employees of the NM Department of Cultural Affairs are not eligible. Selection will be based on artist qualifications, proven ability to undertake projects of the described scope, artistic merit and superior caliber craftsmanship, and suitability of submission to project intent and scope. Selected artists will be required to enter into an artist agreement with the State of New Mexico.