La Buena Vida Park Public Art Commission

Las Cruces Public Art (LCPA) of the Quality of Life Department, City of Las Cruces seeks a local or regional artist or artist team to create a free-standing outdoor art piece to be installed at La Buena Vida Park, 3000 Buena Vida Circle. The artwork will be installed near the picnic area of the park.

Eligibility is open to local and regional artists or artist teams residing within a 150-mile radius of Las Cruces, regardless of race, color, creed, gender, gender variance, national origin, age, religion, marital status, political opinion, or affiliation, or mental or physical handicap. Artists working in any media are eligible, with special consideration given to those experienced in 3-D work. Artists are not required to have previous public art experience but should demonstrate expertise and professionalism commensurate with the project scope and budget. This is not a mural project; mural concepts will not be considered.

The project budget is $40,000 for the completed and installed artwork. This amount includes all fees and expenses associated with design, fabrication, and installation, including materials, equipment, labor, cement pad, lighting, certifications, permits, engineering documents, insurance, taxes, shipping, identification plaque, and professional photographic documentation. The artwork must be three-dimensional, freestanding, safe, low-maintenance, and a permanent fixture. It must be UV/sun resistant, non-glare, with no blinking lights, distracting sounds, or water features. The artwork must be structurally sound and able to withstand desert climate conditions including high winds and extreme temperatures, with sufficient anchoring to prevent removal or damage. The structural base and all associated costs are the artist's responsibility. Lighting is required and will be negotiated during the contract phase. A licensed New Mexico practitioner must provide necessary engineering and certification documents. Up to three semi-finalists will be invited to submit formal proposals and receive a $750 honorarium. Semi-finalists will have 30 days to prepare proposals including a 1/8 scale maquette, renderings, fabrication schedule, budget outline, maintenance schedule, and documented experience with proposed media. Semi-finalists must present their proposals in person to the Art Selection Committee in a public forum.