NM DCA Activity Book - Coloring Page Illustrations - Request for Qualifications

The Art in Public Places (AIPP) Program of New Mexico Arts at the NM Department of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with NM Poet Laureate Lauren Camp, seeks 15 artists to create double page coloring book illustrations for the 2023 DCA Activity Book. The project aims to encourage arts and culture exploration by all ages through literary arts, visual arts, and science. Selected artists will be commissioned to create a double page spread coloring book illustration in response to a Lauren Camp poem and the themes of togetherness, community, and environment.

Coloring book illustrations must be black and white, approximately 11" x 17" in size (template will be provided), in landscape orientation. Once finalized and assembled, books will be printed and distributed across New Mexico through local libraries and partners, with rural communities as a priority for distribution. Artists will be paid $2,000 per completed double page spread illustration. This amount includes all fees and expenses associated with the project, including materials, equipment, labor, taxes, and travel.

Submissions must include an artist statement or letter of interest (no longer than 5,000 characters), helpful links to websites or social media, and up to ten images of previously completed artwork. When possible, submit images of artwork similar to coloring book illustrations; otherwise, include images demonstrating your style, technique, and perspective. Complete image citations are required, including artwork title, medium, dimensions, price or value, year of completion, and project description. This request for qualifications is open to all artists working in New Mexico. Current employees or family members of current employees of NM Department of Cultural Affairs are not eligible. Selected artists will be required to enter into an artist agreement with the State of New Mexico. Jury dates are February 10-17, 2023, with notification of selected artists in February 2023. Contract with selected artists, artwork creation, and book assembly will occur March-May 2023. For questions, contact Meredith Doborski, Public Art Program Director, at 505-396-0326 or [email protected].