Bridge Art for Interstate 25/University Avenue Interchange Improvements, Las Cruces, NM

The NMDOT Bridge Art Program is seeking an artist or artist team to create site-specific designs for the I-25/University Avenue Interchange Improvements in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The design should express local values, relate to the local context, and provide a visual narrative for the traveling public. Images are anticipated to be cast with form liners into the concrete bridge abutments and wall barriers. The artist must be conversant with the selected media and address textures, colors, and form in their work.

The design theme should incorporate a native plant theme with concepts that tie native and agricultural plants from the region into the interchange features. Additionally, dual gateway concepts are planned: an I-25 gateway emphasizing the City of Las Cruces theme, and a University/Triviz Bridge gateway following the NMSU theme with connection to the historic NMSU Miller Gates. The artwork design should consider the Federal Highway Administration's Gateway Monument Program Guidelines and NMSU's Master Plan, and connect visually to the surrounding area. Themes may be interpreted symbolically or figuratively.

Approximately $17,000 is available for the bridge art project, including all fees, expenses, travel, and New Mexico gross receipts tax. This opportunity is open to all artists or artist teams who are legal residents of New Mexico. Submissions should include 3-10 images of previously completed work, a letter of interest addressing the project needs and professional qualifications, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and an annotated image list with title, media, dimensions, year of completion, project description, budget, and commissioning agency. Up to five finalists will be invited to submit a formal proposal and will receive a $500 honorarium for submitting the proposal and attending the selection meeting. The selected artist will present their proposal at a public meeting and enter into a contractual agreement with the engineering consultant. All maquettes, samples, and written proposals become the property of NMDOT. The selected artist is expected to attend all meetings for the design and approvals process, with an estimated three meetings required. Contact John Taschek at (505) 980-0993 or [email protected] for questions.