National Hispanic Cultural Center - Acequia Revitalization Project

The Art in Public Places Program of New Mexico Arts and the Local Selection Committee for the National Hispanic Cultural Center seek an artist or artist team to create an exterior, site-specific commission project at the Paseo Acequia on the eastside of campus. The artwork should engage visitors of all ages and explore themes including acequias, water, movement, journeys, voyages, passageways, connections, the river, the history of acequias, and water as life. The project aims to inject color and enliven this area of campus to attract visitors and make the walk between buildings more enjoyable.

Artwork can utilize the space inside, on, and around the concrete acequia and adjoining graveled area. Materials may include integrative lighting, mixed media, tile, paint, and other durable, weather-resistant materials suitable for New Mexico's climate. The project must be permanent, low maintenance, safe for children and adults, and ADA compliant. There is no access to electricity at the site; lighting proposals must provide their own power source (solar, battery, etc.). No artworks incorporating water features, wood, or bronze sculptures will be considered. The project budget is $80,274, which includes all fees and expenses associated with the project.

This request is open to artists or artist teams working in the Southwest region (Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico). Preference will be given to artists/artist teams who self-identify as Hispanic/Chicano/Latinx. Current employees or family members of current NHCC employees are not eligible. Up to five finalists will be invited to submit a formal proposal and will receive a $1,000 honorarium for a written proposal, presentation, and maquette and/or digital rendering. The selected artist will be required to enter into a Professional Services Contract with the State of New Mexico.