---
title: "Prospectus #291 Spaceport America Sundial Public Art Project"
description: $300,000 commission for a permanent, functional public art sundial outside the STARC building at Spaceport America, New Mexico. RFQ only — qualifications and past work.
url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/406780d8-c7af-4662-9d7f-38c561423db8
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: "2026-09-04"
updatedAt: "2026-09-29"
programType: Public art
organization: New Mexico Arts
organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/new-mexico-arts
deadline: "2026-09-04"
location: Spaceport America — STARC (Spaceport Technology and Reception Center), Santa Fe, NM, United States
isOnline: false
compensationRange: $300,000 total commission (all-inclusive); up to five finalists receive a $4,000 honorarium plus a travel stipend of $500–$1,800 based on mileage
---

# Prospectus #291 Spaceport America Sundial Public Art Project

**Hosted by:** New Mexico Arts

**Type:** Public art | **Location:** Spaceport America — STARC (Spaceport Technology and Reception Center), Santa Fe, NM, United States | **Deadline:** September 4, 2026

## About This Program

> "A functional sundial representing the origins of measurement and human curiosity — time, the cosmos, technology and the high desert landscape at Spaceport America"

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.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** National
- **Note:** This REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS is open to all artists/artist teams currently residing in the United States. Artists submitting qualifications should demonstrate a level of experience and professionalism that is commensurate with the project scope and budget. AIPP regulations state that 1% funds may not be spent for artwork created for an institution or agency by an employee of the institution or agency. Qualifications submitted by and on behalf of current employees or family of current employees of New Mexico Spaceport America or NM Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) will not be considered. Applicants may be required to provide verifiable proof of current employment at the discretion of AIPP Program staff. Past employees are eligible to submit proposals but may not become employed by New Mexico Spaceport America or NMDCA for the duration of the project. Submission limit: 1.

### Additional Requirements

Artist Statement no longer than 5,000 characters (including spaces) describing your work, medium, techniques, cultural background and/or experience that influences your art; answers to additional questions (what excites you about this project and how you might approach it; U.S. residency; military affiliation; demographics); helpful website or social media links (up to 5,000 characters, may include an extended biography); up to ten images of previously completed artwork with complete image citations (title, medium, height, width, depth, price or value, year of completion, project description). Media requirements: 1–10 images, 0–2 audio, 0–2 video, total 1–10. All materials must be submitted via CaFÉ.

## Compensation & Benefits

$300,000 total commission (all-inclusive); up to five finalists receive a $4,000 honorarium plus a travel stipend of $500–$1,800 based on mileage

**Includes:** Commission fee, Honorarium, Travel grant

$300,000 total to commission one artist/artist team to create and install a site-specific artwork installation for the designated exterior installation area near the STARC building at New Mexico Spaceport America. This amount includes all fees and expenses associated with the project, i.e., materials, equipment, labor, permits, engineering documents, insurance, taxes, travel, installation, shipping, identification plaque, and written and professional photographic documentation of the completed project. There is no additional funding. Up to five finalists will be invited to submit a formal proposal; finalists receive a $4,000 honorarium for a written proposal, presentation, and a maquette and/or digital rendering. Each individual finalist or team also receives a travel stipend based on mapped mileage: $500 for travel and lodging between 51–300 miles one-way; $900 for 301–800 miles one-way; $1,800 for 801+ miles one-way.

## What's Provided

- **Travel Support:** Available - Each individual finalist or team will receive a travel stipend based on mapped mileage: $500 for travel and lodging between 51–300 miles one-way; $900 for 301–800 miles one-way; $1,800 for 801+ miles one-way. One site visit is required of each finalist.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** July 8, 2026
- **Deadline:** September 4, 2026

## Contact

**Contact:** Meredith Doborski, Public Art Program Director

**Email:** meredith.doborski@dca.nm.gov

**Phone:** 505-396-0326

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://artist.callforentry.org/agreetoterms.php?ID=17633