--- title: "Prospectus #290 Southwest Artists Series Purchase Initiative" description: New Mexico Arts purchase initiative buying completed artwork ($5,000–$50,000) from Southwest artists and galleries for public buildings statewide. url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/92824eda-5486-43d4-ac35-4a8287111bf1 type: program status: closed createdAt: "2026-09-04" updatedAt: "2026-10-02" programType: Commission organization: New Mexico Arts organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/new-mexico-arts deadline: "2026-10-01" location: Santa Fe, NM, United States isOnline: false compensationRange: Artwork purchased at $5,000–$50,000, all-inclusive of materials, framing, delivery, installation, insurance, taxes and documentation careerStages: - Emerging artist - Mid-career - Established --- # Prospectus #290 Southwest Artists Series Purchase Initiative **Hosted by:** New Mexico Arts **Type:** Commission | **Location:** Santa Fe, NM, United States | **Deadline:** October 1, 2026 ## About This Program > "Diversifying the State of New Mexico's public art collection through purchase of completed artwork by Southwest artists" **PLEASE READ THIS CALL IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING** New Mexico Arts' Art in Public Places program announces the *2026 Southwest Artists Series Purchase Initiative*. The objective of this initiative is to diversify the state's public art collection by purchasing artwork from artists in all stages of their careers. The call is open to artists who reside in and galleries that are located in the Southwest: New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. Artists or galleries are invited to submit qualifications as well as three professional quality images of artwork completed and available for purchase. Galleries may submit qualifications on behalf of any artist represented by the gallery, regardless of the artist's residency. Seeking artwork in the $5,000 - $50,000 price range. ### AIPP Mission Statement 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. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of the arts in New Mexico, the Southwest, and the nation while building a dynamic public art collection for the State of New Mexico. Through a fair and open public process, local, regional, and state-wide committees work with New Mexico Arts to select artwork for their communities. ### Project Intent The objective of the *2026 Southwest Artists Series Purchase Initiative* is 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. ### Site Information Artwork will be purchased for publicly accessible buildings throughout the State of New Mexico. The facilities encompass a broad range of use including, but not limited to: amphitheaters, animal shelters, community centers, courthouses, educational institutions, fire stations, healthcare facilities, libraries, recreation complexes, rest areas, senior centers, etc. Participating sites will have a total budget equal to 1% of recent eligible capital outlay funding allocated for new construction or major renovation projects. ### Artwork Price Range We seek artwork in the $5,000 - $50,000 price range; final price must be all-inclusive as it pertains to each artwork. Upon submission, the price of the artwork is considered all-inclusive of the following: materials, labor, museum quality framing under Plexiglas, security hangers, pedestal and Plexiglas bonnet for three-dimensional artworks, delivery (travel), installation, insurance, taxes, commissions, other fees, and project plaque, as well as written and professional photographic documentation of the artwork. ### Selection Process and Criteria A Submission Review Committee of state-wide artists, arts professionals, and community leaders will score applications based on the selection criteria listed below. All New Mexico Arts public art projects are fair and open competitions; therefore not all applicants who apply will be included in the final pool of artwork shown to local selection committees for purchase consideration. Local Selection Committees are made up of representatives from the owner and/or user agencies of eligible sites. **Artwork included in the final pool is not guaranteed to sell.** The final pool of available artwork will be showcased to potential buyers for two years, at which time, a new call will be made for fresh artwork. The selection criteria shall include, but is not limited to: - Demonstrated artist quality (use of media, unique vision, quality of craftsmanship) - A developed and consistent style - Perceived fit for permanent installation in a public building Artwork selected will reflect a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and artistic diversity. ### Payment Terms Final payment will be made upon completion of the terms of the purchase contract and final paperwork has been submitted and processed by an Art in Public Places staff person to verify that contract requirements have been met and that a project plaque was provided. ### Project Timeline - August 1, 2026 — Purchase initiative opens - October 1, 2026 — Deadline for submissions - Late October 2026 — Notification of finalists - November 2026 – December 31, 2028 — Notification of potential purchases on a rolling basis ## Eligibility & Requirements - **Career Stage:** Emerging artist, Mid-career, Established - **Geographic Eligibility:** Regional - **Note:** Open to artists who reside in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, or Texas, and to galleries located in those states. Galleries may submit qualifications on behalf of any artist they represent, regardless of the artist's residency, but must create a separate account per artist submitted. Finalists may be required to submit verifiable proof of residency prior to being awarded a purchase contract. Artwork may remain listed for sale through other venues while under consideration, but the artist or representative must notify New Mexico Arts immediately if the work sells elsewhere so it can be removed from the selection pool. ### Additional Requirements Artist Statement: an introduction to your work, medium, and an explanation of your techniques; may discuss conceptual approach and inspiration; should be used as a marketing tool relevant to the artwork being considered (character limit stated as 1,000 in the summary and 3,000 in the application requirements section, including spaces). Up to Three Images: images of previously completed work that is currently available for purchase, priced $5,000-$50,000. Complete image citations must include the title, media, dimensions, price, year of completion, description and if applicable, edition size and print/casting number. Diptychs, triptychs, and suites are eligible for purchase. Media limits on CaFÉ: Images min 1 / max 3, Video min 0 / max 3, total min 1 / max 3. ## Compensation & Benefits Artwork purchased at $5,000–$50,000, all-inclusive of materials, framing, delivery, installation, insurance, taxes and documentation **Includes:** Commission fee We seek artwork in the $5,000 - $50,000 price range; final price must be all-inclusive as it pertains to each artwork. Upon submission, the price of the artwork is considered all-inclusive of the following: materials, labor, museum quality framing under Plexiglas, security hangers, pedestal and Plexiglas bonnet for three-dimensional artworks, delivery (travel), installation, insurance, taxes, commissions, other fees, and project plaque, as well as written and professional photographic documentation of the artwork. The price of large, exterior three-dimensional work should include site preparation and foundation (concrete pad/foundation/pedestal). Participating sites have a predetermined 1% budget, so price fluctuations will not be allowed after the submission deadline. Artwork included in the final pool is not guaranteed to sell. ## Timeline - **Opens:** August 1, 2026 - **Deadline:** October 1, 2026 ## Contact **Contact:** Claude Smith **Email:** claude.smith@dca.nm.gov **Phone:** 505-695-6913 ## How to Apply Apply at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hlZLHc3MurU0sA1ICQ4bYdZ6m18XjRnW/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113632598660041895709&rtpof=true&sd=true