Prospectus #252 Large Scale Purchase Initiative

The Art in Public Places program enriches New Mexico's public spaces through an innovative and diverse art collection. Since its inception in 1986, the program has placed more than 2,500 artworks in all of New Mexico's 33 counties. Through a fair and open public process, committees made up of local and regional representatives work with New Mexico Arts staff to select artwork for their communities.

The Large Scale Purchase Initiative aims to diversify the state's public art collection by purchasing artwork from artists in all stages of their career. All media in all genres suitable for both 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 Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah, as well as galleries located in these states. Galleries may submit qualifications on behalf of any artist represented by the gallery, regardless of the artist's residency. Finalists may be required to submit 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. The project budget ranges from $35,000-$125,000 all-inclusive per artwork. Purchase contracts require a $35,000 minimum for each artwork. The all-inclusive price covers 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 professional photographic documentation. Artists are responsible for coordinating and paying for installation costs, which must be included in the overall artwork price. Site preparation and foundation costs for large exterior three-dimensional work should also be included in the price. Price fluctuations will not be allowed after the submission deadline.

Submissions must include an artist's statement (2000 character limit), a current resume or curriculum vitae, and up to three images of previously completed work currently available for purchase in the $35,000-$125,000 range. Image citations must include title, media, dimensions, price, year of completion, description, and if applicable, edition size and print/casting number. A Submission Review Committee of artists and arts professionals will score applications based on professional qualifications, artistic ability, craftsmanship, and ability to produce and deliver high quality artwork. Regional Buying Committees made up of representatives from owner and user agencies will select artwork for purchase. Multiple artwork selection meetings will be held statewide from June 2019 through June 2020. Artwork installed at sites must be the same piece and price selected by the Regional Buying Committee. Artists and galleries whose artwork is selected will be required to enter into a purchase contract with the State of New Mexico. Payment will be made upon completion of contract terms and receipt of post-installation documentation.