Official State Gift for the Murphy Administration

The Official State Gift for the Murphy Administration is a commissioning project seeking artwork from New Jersey resident artists and artisans. The Governor will commission these pieces to be given to visiting dignitaries and special guests of the State. An edition of 20-50 larger pieces and 100-200 smaller works are sought.

The Governor is seeking to commission 20-50 pieces of art at a cost of up to $100 per piece, and 100-200 smaller pieces at up to $25 per piece. These pieces need not be similar or from the same artist, and artists may propose work for either or both commissions. Artists working in any material and art form are encouraged to apply. The commissioned artworks must be transportable and hand-carried, with a suggested size envelope of no larger than approximately 12"x 12" x 12". Including New Jersey state symbols, the shape of the state, words indicative of the state, or use of materials, themes or folk arts from the State of New Jersey are strongly encouraged. A place noting the year (2018) on the gift is desired.

Submissions should include images of up to three (3) samples of work per project and a brief narrative of 300 words or less identifying the price range and size(s) for finished art, and describing how the final commissioned work could be adapted to fit the New Jersey theme, project budget or other options. No biographical information should be included in the narrative. Artists may submit one proposal for each project, for a total of 2 proposals. All proposals will be reviewed by a panel based solely on work samples and project narrative. More than one artist may be selected. Selected artist(s) must be residents of the State of New Jersey and must complete commissioned work by Mid-August 2018. The final selected artist(s) will be required to enter into a professional services contract with the State of New Jersey.