New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute Public Art Commission

The Art in Public Places Program of New Mexico Arts and the Local Selection Committee for New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute (NMBHI) seek an artist or artist team to create a site-specific commission project for The Meadows Home, a newly constructed Long-Term Care Division. The facility will house 178 residents across five neighborhoods, including two secure dementia units.

The Local Selection Committee is interested in commissioning artwork that will engage residents, staff, and visitors in a way that speaks to ideas of community, neighborhoods, health, wellness, lightheartedness, inspiration, peacefulness, and calm. Two long corridors connecting the central building to two other buildings have been identified as the location for the artwork. The selected artist or artist team may propose work that incorporates the ceiling and walls, but the floor of the corridor may not be used. The ceiling of the hallways is approximately 9 feet high with crash rails installed at a height of 2 feet 10 inches on both sides. A unifying artwork is also suggested for the lobby where the two hallways meet. The facility is Silver LEED Certified by the US Green Building Council; artists should be mindful of sustainability and energy efficiency issues. Media must be durable, low maintenance, permanent, safe for both children and adults, and ADA compliant. At the selected artist's expense, artwork may require certification by an electrical, civil, and/or structural engineer licensed in New Mexico and review by a professional fine art conservator.

This request is open to all artists or artist teams working in the United States. Qualifications submitted by employees or family members of NMBHI employees will not be considered. $250,500 is available for this project after finalist presentation fees and travel expenses. This amount includes all fees and expenses associated with the project including materials, equipment, labor, permits, engineering documents, insurance, taxes, travel, installation, shipping, identification plaque, and documentation. Up to five finalists will be invited to submit a formal proposal and will receive a $1,000 honorarium for a written proposal and maquette. One site visit is required of each finalist to include a personal presentation to the Local Selection Committee and the public. Finalists will also receive a travel stipend based on distance. Submission requirements include a letter of interest (no longer than 3 paragraphs), a current chronological resume or curriculum vitae, ten images or videos of previously completed work with complete citations, and a brief artist statement.