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.  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, committees made up of local and regional representatives work with New Mexico Arts staff to select artwork for their communities. The Art in Public Places program then commissions large-scale projects that are designed for integration directly into the architecture or landscape of a given site, or the program purchases existing original artwork to be placed in or around public buildings permanently or on loan.

Project Intent

The Art in Public Places Program of New Mexico Arts and the Local Selection Committee (LSC) of McKinley County seek to commission 1 to 3 artists to create and install original artwork in specified areas of the McKinley County Courthouse Rotunda in Gallup, New Mexico. These artworks will need to withstand a permanent installation indoors in one or more of the three identified areas within the rotunda. The LSC is interested in artwork of all media (including but not limited to: weaving/fiber, sculpture (all materials), installations, painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, new media, and more) 2D or 3D in nature, representational to abstract in style. Artwork should incorporate a theme of people, place, and culture of McKinley County, capture the spirit of the community, while creating an experience of place: “Culture of Place”. The artwork should capture and celebrate the diversity and pride of living in McKinley County. McKinley County is steeped in rich history and tradition, as well as an active hub for artists and art creation of all kinds. Please see more information about McKinley County below. Artists should also consider the locations available for installation within the rotunda, and how to best utilize each proposed space: please CLICK HERE for site photos/measurements/details. Ultimately, the installation of this artwork will assist in creating a welcoming space for locals, visitors, and users of the courthouse rotunda space.

Artwork of the following nature will not be considered:

• Artwork media/construction can be traditional, mixed, or experimental in nature, but MUST BE constructed out of materials that can survive a permanent installation indoors, in a high traffic public area, with regular exposure to sunlight (please see site images).
• NO murals or artwork directly drawn/painted onto the walls/windows will be considered.
• Artwork must fit the allotted installation area. Please see site plan for measurements and more installation site information.
• No artworks incorporating water features or elements will be considered.  
• No artworks incorporating kinetic or interactive elements will be considered.

The project must be durable, low maintenance, permanent, safe for both children and adults and must meet all applicable code requirements, including ADA compliant.  At the selected artist’s expense, the artwork may require certification by an electrical, civil and/or structural engineer licensed to practice in the State of New Mexico and reviewed by a professional fine art conservator (if applicable).

CLICK HERE to download a PDF with installation site photos/measurements/details.  

Site Information

The McKinley County Courthouse is located in the center of Gallup, New Mexico. The rotunda space is utilized annually for early voting, concerts, meetings, overflow for commission meetings, waiting area, weddings, holidays, and other events. This is an open public space utilized by community members of all ages.

GALLUP

Nestled in the spectacular glow of the red rocks and located along historic Route 66, Gallup is a uniquely beautiful place deeply rooted in Native American history and traditions. Once known as Na'Nizhoozhi, or "The Bridge" among the Navajo/Diné' people, Gallup's history began well before the city was founded in 1881 as a headquarters for the southern transcontinental rail route. The City itself grew up with the railroad and, subsequently, Route 66, and remains a place vibrating with culture, history, and diversity.

To learn more about Gallup, NM please visit: https://www.visitgallup.com/about-gallup/

MCKINLEY COUNTY

McKinley County is located in the west central part of the state, with the City of Gallup
being the county seat. Stretching from Navajo, New Mexico to the northwest to Pueblo Pintado in the northeast, to Zuni in the south, McKinley County encompasses the Chuska mountain range, iconic red rock formations, Cibola National Forrest, and the Zuni Mountains. It has had a front row seat to the major events, turning points, and demographic/cultural shifts that define New Mexico, Southwest and American history, from the Puebloan Chaco empire’s vast trade network to the first colonizing expeditions of the Spanish Conquistadors to the Navajo Long Walk to the building of the transcontinental railroad to the Route 66 phenomenon. McKinley County is an incredibly diverse community. Majority Native American, it is also home to descendants of European and Japanese immigrants and to more recent immigrants from the Middle East, Philippines, and more places.

To learn more about McKinley County please visit: https://co.mckinley.nm.us/

To download the McKinley County Comprehensive Economic Plan please visit: https://www.nwnmcog.org/uploads/1/2/8/7/12873976/mck_comp_plan.pdf

Project Amount

$97,825 is available to commission 1 to 4 artists/artist teams to create public artwork for 3 designated areas within the McKinley County courthouse rotunda, after finalist presentation fees. This amount includes all fees and expenses associated with the project, e.g., 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.  THIS IS A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ONLY. DO NOT SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR ARTWORK AT THIS TIME, PLEASE SEE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS BELOW.

Selection Process and Criteria

The Local Selection Committee is made up of representatives from the owner/user agency (McKinley County): Owner Agency representative, User Agency Representative, Architect/Facilities Representative, Local Artist, Local Arts Professional, and Local Project Director. 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(s) or artist team(s) 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.

The selection criteria shall include, but is not limited to:

• The professional qualifications of the artist(s) as evidenced by the supporting materials.
• Proven ability to undertake projects of the described scope.
• Artistic merit and superior caliber craftsmanship as evidenced by the images.
• Suitability of submission to project intent and site.

Up to five finalists will be invited to submit a formal proposal for the project. Finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium for a written proposal, presentation, and a maquette and/or digital rendering of the proposed artwork. One site visit will be required of each finalist to include an in-person presentation of the artwork proposal to the Local Selection Committee and a public presentation at the site. All maquettes, samples and written proposals will become the property of McKinley County unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

Additionally, each finalist/team will receive a travel stipend based on mapped mileage according to the following schedule:

$250 for travel and lodging between 50 – 300 miles one-way.

$450 for travel and lodging between 301 – 800 miles one-way.

$900 for travel and lodging 801 miles and over one-way.

Artists or artist teams short-listed as finalists for this project will be required to enter into a Finalist Presentation Contract with the State of New Mexico. A sample Finalist Presentation Contract is available on New Mexico Arts website or upon request.

The artist(s) or artist team(s) that is ultimately awarded the commission project will be required to enter into a Professional Services Contract with the State of New Mexico. A sample Professional Services Contract is available on New Mexico Arts website or upon request.

Project Timeline (subject to change):

February 2023 – Project Announced

February 21, 5:00 – 7:00 PM – Artist Workshop (in-person technical assistance for artists interested in applying) – At ART123 Gallery, 123 W. Coal Ave, Gallup, NM 87301

March 12, 1:00 – 3:00 PM – Artist Workshop (in-person technical assistance for artists interested in applying) – At ART123 Gallery, 123 W. Coal Ave, Gallup, NM 87301

April 14, 2023 – Application Submission Deadline

April/May 2023 - Jurying of Submissions by LSC

May 2023 – Notification of 5 Finalists

September 2023 – Finalist Presentations (in-person in Gallup)

September 2023 – Finalist(s) Selection Notification

Questions/Follow Up

Questions regarding this opportunity should be directed to Meredith Doborski, Public Art Program Director, at 505-396-0326, email: Meredith.doborski@dca.nm.gov

If you would like to have your submission materials reviewed by an AIPP staff person, please make an appointment no less than two weeks prior to the submission deadline. Technical assistance calls increase dramatically during the final two weeks of the open submission period; therefore we cannot guarantee review during the final two weeks of the competition. Submission materials will not be reviewed on the day of the deadline.

Deadline for Submission: Midnight (MDT), Friday, April 14, 2023.

Application Requirements

Submission Requirements

Please read the following information carefully as incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted. Supplemental information beyond what is requested will not be reviewed by the Local Selection Committee. Failure to provide any of the published requirements could result in disqualification from the competition. Duplicate submissions will not be accepted. All materials must be submitted via CaFÉ (callforentry.org) according to the specifications outlined below:

• An artist statement/letter of interest written specifically to address the following: Describe your personal connection to McKinley County. What are your ties to the County? What excites you about this opportunity to create permanent public art for this site?
• A current chronological resume or curriculum vitae and/or helpful links to personal website/online portfolio/social media demonstrating relevant work experience, particularly public art, publicly or privately funded. Include any additional information like links to websites or social media that will assist the LSC with learning more about you and your art.
• Ten images and/or videos of artwork previously created (portfolio) that showcases your artwork/style/perspective. Complete image citations will be required; including artwork title, medium, height, width and depth, price or value, year completed, and description. Please review and adhere to the Image and Media Preparation page on CaFÉ when formatting your images or videos. Tutorials can be downloaded using the links near the bottom of the page. By default, CaFÉ will organize the images in your submission alphabetically. If you wish to present the images to the committee in a different order you must prioritize the images before submitting an application.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility

This REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS is open to all artists/artist teams currently residing in McKinley County, or with a deep connection/ties to McKinley County, New Mexico. 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 McKinley County 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 McKinley County or NMDCA for the duration of the project.