Prospectus #291 Spaceport America Sundial Public Art Project

The Art in Public Places Program of New Mexico Arts at the NM Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA), in collaboration with Spaceport America seek an artist/artist team to create a public art sundial – a functional work of art. The sundial artwork will be installed outside the newly built STARC (Spaceport Technology and Reception Center) at Spaceport America, an earthbound but aspirational space dedicated to inquiry in the high desert southwest of New Mexico. The intent of the sundial is to creatively represent the origins of measurement and human curiosity. In this installation, the sundial acts as a functional work of art, reminding us that time is not merely a digital abstraction but a physical consequence of humanity's journey through the solar system. It connects the cosmos, the blue sky, the sun, and the vast, beautiful Jornada de Muerto basin to the mechanical and tactile realism of Spaceport America. It should evoke curiosity and wonder. A sundial consists of two fundamental components that work in tandem: 1. The Gnomon: the vertical or angled element that casts the shadow, whose angle is typically set to the latitude of its location. 2. The Dial Plate: the surface onto which the shadow is cast, inscribed with hour lines and, often, seasonal markers. Artists may interpret these elements as they see fit to fulfill their artistic vision, while maintaining the elements that would keep this artwork a functioning sundial. Guiding themes for artwork: static artwork only (interactivity can be proposed, but kinetic features are to be avoided); artwork of any media/materials that can withstand a permanent installation outdoors in southern New Mexico with high heat, high winds, and high sun exposure; artwork should engage visitors while serving as a functional work of art; audience for this site includes STEM students (high school and middle school grade levels), legislators, potential customers, and invited visitors; this project should not heavily detract from the current public artwork on site: GENESIS by Otto Rigan, installed in 2015. The project must be durable, low maintenance, permanent, safe for both children and adults and must meet all applicable code requirements, including ADA compliance. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ONLY. DO NOT SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR ARTWORK AT THIS TIME.

The Local Selection Committee is made up of representatives from the owner/user agency (New Mexico Spaceport America): Owner Agency representative, User Agency Representative, Architect/Facilities Representative, Local Artist, Local Arts Professional, and Local Project Director. For Education Institutions such as Colleges and Universities, a Member of the Board of Regents, and a currently enrolled Student are also members. Under the guidance of an AIPP Project Coordinator, the Local Selection Committee is responsible for prospectus development, submission review, finalist selection and ultimately selecting the artist or artist team to be awarded the commission project. Artists may research the project using any resource except for direct discussion with individual members of the Local Selection Committee or the New Mexico Arts Commission. Up to five finalists will be invited to submit a formal proposal, present in person at the site, and provide a maquette and/or digital rendering.