TIME - Temporary Installations Made for the Environment (Las Cruces)

The Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) of New Mexico Arts seeks to commission up to five temporary, visually engaging and conceptually rich environmental artworks to be exhibited in and around Las Cruces, New Mexico. Available sites include the Rio Grande Theatre, Branigan Cultural Center, Las Cruces Railroad Museum, Hadley Center, the Las Cruces Museum of Art, and the Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science. Proposed artworks should relate to the theme of Regeneration.

New Mexico Arts challenges artists to create artworks that will inspire, engage, question, puzzle, amuse, seduce and otherwise influence the citizens of and visitors to Las Cruces. The organization is particularly interested in interactive art that promotes responses and transforms participants into active contributors to the creative process. Media must be low maintenance, safe for both children and adults, ADA compliant, and not leave a permanent mark on the environment when removed. No artwork requiring concrete pads or other environmentally damaging approaches will be considered. At removal, the artist will return the installation site to its original condition. Artwork must be sufficiently secured against high winds and intense weather conditions. Access to electricity may be available at some sites.

Each selected artist or artist team will receive $3,000 for the project, which includes all applicable expenses such as materials, labor, insurance, taxes, installation, photographic documentation, and artwork retrieval. Additional travel compensation ranges from $250 to $900 depending on distance from Las Cruces. Artists will be paid in two phases: $1,500 plus travel per diem after contract approval, and $1,500 after installation and removal with required documentation. This project is open to New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona residents only. Artists in all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply. Submission deadline is June 11, 2009. Selected artists will be notified in July 2009, with artwork installed in September 2009 and removed in November 2009. Questions should be directed to Chuck Zimmer at 505-827-6490 or 800-879-4278 (in-state).