Visit Las Cruces Mural Commission

Visit Las Cruces invites artists and artist teams to submit proposals for the design and installation of a permanent exterior mural for the Las Cruces Visitor Center located at 336 S Main Street. The organization seeks a vibrant, memorable, welcoming concept that is reflective of the diverse culture of the community. Interactive murals that allow the public to engage with the art and present photo opportunities are of the highest interest.

The Las Cruces Visitor Center serves as the southern gateway to the City's downtown. The building design is contemporary southwest with a neutral colored, stucco façade. The façade selected for the mural is east-facing with approximately 800 square feet of surface area. Artists should take into consideration the signage on the façade as well as the landscaping in front of the building. Located just north of the U.S.-Mexico border on the homeland of the Manso people and the Piro-Manso-Tiwa community, Las Cruces is home to a multicultural, "borderland" community where nearly 69% of the County's population is Hispanic/Latinx. The City is the second-largest in the state and is located in a region with deep ties to agriculture and public land.

The chosen artwork must be site specific, culturally appropriate, and prominently include the text "Las Cruces." The total budget for this project is $40,000 and includes all costs associated with the mural, including materials, artist design fee, installation labor, travel, per diem expenses, equipment rental, varnish, insurance, taxes, and unexpected expenses. Applicants must submit at least eight digital images of previously completed work with citations, a one-page statement of interest, a resume or CV, and a vision statement with sketch encouraged. A selection committee comprised of local stakeholders will select three to five semi-finalists. All applicants will be notified of their application status by September 26, 2022. Semi-finalists will receive a $350 honorarium for a detailed rendering and will present their concept to the selection committee within 30 days of notification. The awarded artist or art team will be required to enter into a Professional Services Contract with the City of Las Cruces.