Rio Rancho City Centre Public Art Commission

The Art in Public Places Program of New Mexico Arts and the Local Selection Committee of the Rio Rancho City Centre seek an artist or artist team to create a site-specific commission project. The LSC is interested in commissioning artwork that will invoke thought, engage visitors and staff of the City Centre, is distinct from art already placed in the area, and that speaks to the future of Rio Rancho. The 10' x 54' reflecting pool plaza at Rio Rancho City Hall (3200 Civic Center Circle NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144) has been identified as the location for artwork placement. The selected artist or artist team may use any or all of the available space to execute the project.

Media must be durable, low maintenance, permanent, suitable for exterior display, safe for both children and adults, and ADA compliant. At the selected artist's expense, the artwork may require certification by an electrical, civil, and/or structural engineer licensed to practice in New Mexico and review by a professional fine art conservator, with permitting as required. $52,750 is available for this project, including all fees and expenses such as materials, equipment, labor, permits, engineering documents, insurance, taxes, travel, installation, shipping, identification plaque, and documentation of the completed project.

This request for qualifications is open to all artists or artist teams who are legal residents of New Mexico. Artists submitting qualifications should demonstrate a level of experience and professionalism commensurate with the project scope and budget. Qualifications submitted by or on behalf of employees or extended family of employees of the City of Rio Rancho will not be considered. Up to five finalists will be invited to submit a formal proposal and will receive a $1,000 honorarium for a written proposal and maquette, plus a travel stipend based on distance ($250 for 50-300 miles one-way; $450 for 301-800 miles one-way). One site visit and personal presentation to the Local Selection Committee and public will be required of each finalist. The project timeline includes notification of finalists in August 2013 and finalist presentations in November 2013, with artwork completion and installation by November 2014.