New Mexico Only Purchase Initiative

The Art in Public Places Program enriches New Mexico's public spaces through an innovative and diverse public art collection. Since its inception in 1986, the program has placed more than 2,500 works of art in all of New Mexico's 33 counties. The goal of the New Mexico Only Purchase Initiative is to diversify the state's public art collection by purchasing artwork by artists in all stages of their careers. All media in all genres, suitable for interior and exterior display will be considered for purchase. Artwork must be durable, permanent, low-maintenance, and in compliance with ADA guidelines upon installation.

The project is open to artists who reside in New Mexico and galleries located in New Mexico. Galleries may submit qualifications on behalf of any artists represented by the gallery, regardless of the artist's residency. Finalists may be required to supply verifiable proof of residency prior to being awarded a purchase contract. Artwork will be purchased for publicly accessible buildings throughout the State of New Mexico, including amphitheaters, animal shelters, community centers, courthouses, educational institutions, fire stations, healthcare facilities, recreation complexes, rest areas, and senior centers. Project amounts are $1,000-$20,000 all inclusive. Purchase contracts will be limited to a minimum of $1,000 per piece. The price of the artwork is considered all-inclusive of materials, labor, insurance, taxes, commissions, fees, delivery, installation, travel, museum quality framing under Plexiglas, security hangers, pedestal for small and large three-dimensional works, Plexiglas bonnet for small three-dimensional works, project plaque, and written and photographic documentation of the artwork.

Submissions must include an artist statement (2,000 character limit), current resume or curriculum vitae, and up to three images of previously completed work currently available for purchase with complete citations including title, media, dimensions, price, year completed, description, and edition size/print number if applicable. A Submission Review Committee of artists and arts professionals will score applications based on professional qualifications, demonstrated artistic quality, consistent style, and diversity of cultural, ethnic, and artistic representation. Artwork included in the final pool is not a guarantee of sale. If a submitted artwork is sold through another venue, the artist or artist representative must notify New Mexico Arts immediately. Artwork installed at the site must be the same piece selected for purchase; substitutions and price fluctuations will not be allowed after the submission deadline. The submission deadline is 4:00 PM (Mountain Standard Time) August 13, 2021.