Devasthali Hall Site-Specific Commission - New Mexico State University, Las Cruces

New Mexico Arts and the Local Selection Committee for Devasthali Hall seek an artist or artist team to create a site-specific commission project to be situated on a landscaped area south and west of Devasthali Hall at New Mexico State University. The exterior space invites the opportunity to create a connection point and unifying location for multiple university disciplines through an environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors to NMSU may gather. Projects that engage the natural environment, the exterior architecture, and use the grounds to create a sense of place are encouraged, especially those responding to the mission of Devasthali Hall, the Department of Art, and the University Art Museum as centers of innovation, creativity, and freedom of expression. The committee would like a work that creates a sense of place with the potential to serve as an iconic landmark, gateway or signpost to welcome visitors to Devasthali Hall.

Artists are encouraged to explore conceptual designs inspired by the landscape (always sunny in Southern New Mexico; the need for shelter/shade; and transparency and porosity), landscape architecture, environmental art, and placemaking and monumental art. The project should engage the natural environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to NMSU and Las Cruces. Landscape and environmental elements will be considered. Media must be durable, low maintenance, permanent, safe for both children and adults and be ADA compliant. Artworks that incorporate water features or elements will not be considered. At the selected artist's expense the artwork may require certification by an electrical, civil and/or structural engineer licensed to practice in the State of New Mexico, and review by a professional fine art conservator. Additional permits may be required for the project.

The request for qualifications is open to all artists or artist teams working in the United States. Artists submitting qualifications should demonstrate a level of experience and professionalism that is commensurate with the project scope and budget. AIPP regulations state that 1% funds may not be spent for artwork created for an institution or agency by an employee of the institution or agency. Qualifications submitted by and on behalf of current employees or family of current employees of NMSU will not be considered. Past employees are eligible to submit proposals, but may not become employed by NMSU for the duration of the project. $190,500 is available for the project, including all fees and expenses associated with the project such as materials, equipment, labor, permits, engineering documents, insurance, taxes, travel, installation, shipping, identification plaque, and written and professional photographic documentation of the completed project. Work sample requirements: 0-10 images, 0-6 videos, 1-10 total samples.