Southwest Artist Series Purchase Initiative

The Art in Public Places program enriches New Mexico's public spaces through an innovative and diverse public art collection. Since its inception in 1986, the program has placed more than 3,000 works of art in all of New Mexico's 33 counties amounting to over $21 million dollars in funds paid directly to artists.

The 2024 Southwest Artist Series Purchase Initiative seeks to diversify the state's public art collection by purchasing artwork from artists in all stages of their careers. All media in all genres suitable for both interior or exterior display will be considered for purchase. Artwork must be durable, permanent, low-maintenance and in compliance with ADA guidelines upon installation. This purchase initiative is open to artists who reside in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas, as well as galleries located in these states. Galleries may submit on behalf of any artist they represent, regardless of residency, and may submit for multiple artists by creating separate accounts per artist.

Artwork will be purchased for publicly accessible buildings throughout New Mexico including amphitheaters, animal shelters, community centers, courthouses, educational institutions, fire stations, healthcare facilities, libraries, recreation complexes, rest areas, and senior centers. Artwork should be priced in the $5,000-$50,000 range, all-inclusive of materials, labor, museum quality framing, delivery, installation, insurance, taxes, commissions, and documentation. A Submission Review Committee of statewide artists, arts professionals, and community leaders will score applications based on demonstrated artist quality, developed and consistent style, perceived fit for permanent installation, and cultural and artistic diversity. Local Selection Committees will select artwork for purchase from the final pool. Artwork included in the final pool is not guaranteed to sell. The final pool will be showcased for two years before a new call is made. Submission deadline: August 21, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Applicants must submit an artist statement (3,000 character limit) and up to three images of previously completed work currently available for purchase.