Prospectus #243 Memorial to Victims of Gun Violence

The Art in Public Places Program of New Mexico Arts and the Local Selection Committee seek an artist or artist team to create an exterior, site-specific commission project for the northeast corner of the Steve Schiff District Attorney Building property at 520 Lomas NE in Albuquerque, NM. The project should create a non-traditional memorial that provides a contemplative, healing, and uplifting space for victims and families dealing with the trauma of gun violence. The work will be experienced daily by District Attorney's office employees and serve as a reminder of their work with victims. The Local Selection Committee is interested in commissioning work that speaks to ideas of humanity, comfort, serenity, joy, and love. Artists are encouraged to explore designs inspired by nature, color, light, and potentially a sound component. The artwork should not carry any political messages related to gun control or gun rights. Materials must be durable, low maintenance, permanent, safe for children and adults, and ADA compliant. The work must avoid designs easily vandalized or that obstruct views for security purposes. Water features and plants requiring extensive watering will not be considered due to the Chihuahuan Desert location.

This request is open to all artists or artist teams working in the United States. Artists from New Mexico will be given strong consideration. International artists will not be considered. Current employees or family members of current employees of Bernalillo County are ineligible. The project budget is $229,000, which includes all fees, materials, equipment, labor, permits, engineering documents, insurance, taxes, travel, installation, shipping, identification plaque, and documentation. Up to five finalists will be invited to submit a formal proposal and will receive a $1,000 honorarium plus travel stipends ranging from $250 to $900 based on distance. One site visit and personal presentation to the Local Selection Committee is required of each finalist.

Submissions must include a letter of interest (no longer than 3 paragraphs), a current chronological resume or curriculum vitae demonstrating relevant work experience, and ten images or videos (or combination) of previously completed work with complete citations including title, medium, dimensions, price or value, year of completion, and project description with budget and commissioning agency. All materials must be submitted via CaFÉ. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.