East Mesa Public Safety Project (EMPS)

The City of Las Cruces City Art Board seeks a regional artist or artist team to create a site-specific outdoor public art project for the East Mesa Public Safety Campus on Sonoma Ranch Boulevard. The commissioned artwork should engage the public and staff of the campus, reflect the architectural setting and purposes of the building, and reflect the City of Las Cruces. Artists are encouraged to submit designs inspired by the local environment. The Art Board seeks work that is large enough in scale and scope to provide a focal point, with multiple unifying elements appropriate to the site, use, and landscape.

The artwork medium must be durable, low maintenance, permanent, safe, and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At the artist's expense, any required certifications for the artwork—whether electrical, civil, or structural—must be provided by a licensed practitioner in the State of New Mexico. If necessary, the artwork should be reviewed by a professional fine art conservator. Eligibility is open to all artists or art teams working or residing in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, or Texas. No member of the current City Art Board, Selection Committee, or employee of the City of Las Cruces may apply.

$28,000 is available to the artist or artist team for the completed project, including all fees and expenses such as materials, equipment, labor, certifications, permits, engineering documents, insurance, taxes, travel, shipping, identification plaque, and professional photographic documentation. Submissions must include a one-page letter of interest addressing the project needs, a current resume or curriculum vitae demonstrating relevant work experience, and ten images of previously completed work with complete citations. Up to three semi-finalists will be invited to submit a formal proposal and maquette within 60 days of notification, and will receive a $500 honorarium. Semi-finalists must complete one site visit with a personal presentation to the Selection Committee and public. The submission deadline is June 15, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.