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. Through a fair and open public process, local and regional selection committees work with New Mexico Arts to select artwork for their communities.

The New Mexico Only Purchase Initiative seeks 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. 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 New Mexico, including amphitheaters, animal shelters, community centers, courthouses, educational institutions, fire stations, healthcare facilities, recreation complexes, rest areas, and senior centers. Project amounts range from $1,000-$20,000 all inclusive, with purchase contracts limited to a minimum of $1,000 per piece. The all-inclusive price must account for materials, labor, insurance, taxes, commissions, fees, delivery, installation, travel, museum quality framing under Plexiglas, security hangers, pedestals for three-dimensional works, Plexiglas bonnets for small three-dimensional works, project plaques, and written and photographic documentation. Large three-dimensional works should include site preparation and foundation costs.

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. Images must include complete citations with title, media, dimensions, price, year completed, description, and edition size/print number if applicable. A Submission Review Committee will score applications based on professional qualifications, artistic quality, consistency of style, and diversity of cultural, ethnic, and artistic representation. Artwork included in the final pool is not a guarantee of sale. If submitted artwork is sold through another venue, the artist or representative must notify New Mexico Arts immediately. Artwork installed must be the same piece selected by the Regional Buying Committee; substitutions and price fluctuations are not allowed after the submission deadline. Artists/galleries whose work is selected will be required to enter into a purchase contract with the State of New Mexico.

Submission deadline: August 2, 2019 at 4:00 PM MST. Notification of finalists: September 2019. Notification of purchases: June 2020. Artwork installation: October 2019 - December 2020.