New Mexico Only Purchase Initiative (Prospectus #283)

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 program also commissions large-scale projects designed for integration into building architecture, or purchases existing original artworks for placement in public buildings.

This call is open to artists who reside in New Mexico and galleries located in New Mexico. Galleries may submit work for multiple artists regardless of artist residency. Submissions must include an artist statement (5,000 character limit) and up to three images of previously completed work currently available for purchase. Artwork prices must be $1,000-$50,000 all-inclusive, covering materials, labor, insurance, taxes, commissions, fees, delivery, installation, travel, museum quality framing, security hangers, pedestals, project plaques, and documentation. Original works only; editions exceeding 50 impressions or mass-produced reproductions will not be purchased. Artwork will be placed in 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.

Submission deadline is 11:59 PM MST on September 21, 2025. Finalists will be notified in October 2025, with purchase notifications occurring between October 2025 and December 2027. A Submission Review Committee will score applications based on artist qualifications, artistic quality, consistent style, and cultural diversity. Artwork included in the final pool is not a guarantee of sale. If selected artwork is sold through another venue, artists must notify New Mexico Arts immediately. Employees of the Department of Cultural Affairs are ineligible. Contact: [email protected] or 505.699.4910.