Summary:

The Bernalillo County Arts Board solicits a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for artists or artists’ teams for a site-specific public art project that will be located at the West Side Community Center in Albuquerque's South Valley, 1250 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105. The budget is $40,000. The art will be part of a new stage that will be one of the largest outdoor performance spaces for public events on the west side of the city. The artwork may be integrated into the shade structure or located on the concrete areas near the stage. The art should represent the cultures, people, heritage and/or landscapes of the South Valley of Albuquerque. The artwork should enhance the performance space both during the day and at night and provide an artistic element for the public to enjoy when the stage is not in use. Both experienced and emerging artists and craftspeople are encouraged to apply. The Call for Art is open to New Mexico based artists. The deadline is June 14, 2024. 

Location/Context/History:

The West Side Community Center is located at 1250 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105. Completed in 1959, it was the first community center built by Bernalillo County Parks and Recreation. In 2024 the center went through major renovations that include additional parking areas, an expanded walking trail, a new outdoor stage, garden areas, shade structures, tree groves and upgraded playground equipment. 

The next phase of the project will include over 12,000 square feet of additional space to be added to the center, including a new lobby and boxing gym, new fitness center, and a meeting room space/health resource area. This expansion will support additional fitness activities and health classes, and it will enable the community center to include whole-life programming.

The community center hosts a variety of activities and community events such as the South Valley Pride Day, an annual Veterans Dinner, Movies in the Park, before school and after school programs, indoor and outdoor sports programs, fitness and dance classes, and art classes, and is a community hub for many citizens.

Site Details:

The new stage is in the southeast corner of the Louis Richard Rocco Memorial Park, just south of the West Side Community Center Building. The concrete stage area is approximately 48’ x 34’6” (1,680 sf total). The height of the proposed shade structure is approximately 15’4”.  The new stage is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2024. 

Project Intent/Theme:

The project will be culturally relevant and represent the history, heritage, people and/or landscapes of the communities of the South Valley of Albuquerque. The goals of the project are to 1) create a landmark public artwork; 2) provide a visually engaging backdrop for the performing arts at the West Side Community Center; 3) provide a visually attractive space for both daytime and evening performances, and to provide visual interest when the stage is not in use.

Media/Style/Size:

The Board seeks artists or artists’ teams working in diverse media to create the artwork including metal work, painted murals, mosaic, and sculpture.  No prior experience in public art is necessary to apply. Durability and low maintenance of all materials is required. The artist must ensure that the artwork is protected against strong winds, ultraviolet rays, and graffiti.

Project Funds:

Budget is $40,000. This amount includes all fees and expenses associated with the project, e.g., materials, equipment, labor, permits, travel, installation, and written and professional photographic documentation of the completed project.

*Timeline:
April 2024: Call for Art opens
June 2024: Call for Art closes
Summer 2024: Jurying 
Fall 2024: Three semi-finalists selected from applicants to create and present detailed designs/concepts to the selection committee
August 2024: Finalist selected
Winter 2024-25: Project planning
Installation by Summer 2025

*Subject to change

Application Requirements

Eligible artist or artist teams must reside in the New Mexico and demonstrate:

·         Ability to complete projects on time and within budget.

·         An understanding of the region and its history and population.

·         Experience with community engagement especially with youth.

Artists will be required to submit the following through the Café website:

1. An artist's statement.
2. A letter of intent detailing: the artist's knowledge of the cultures and communities of the South Valley; a brief narrative about the initial concept for the project; and the artist's capacity to implement this project.
3. A current resume.
4. At least 3 but no more that 10 digital images of past work. Artist or artists team may also submit up to one video of a past project.
5. An annotated image key, clearly labeled with your full name and a numerical listing for each image, the title of the work, the media, dimensions, and year of completion.

There is no application fee to submit an application or to create an account on Café.

Please note that all materials must be submitted according to the specifications outlined on the CaFÉ website.

Eligibility Criteria

This is a local call open to New Mexico based artists. No prior experience in Public Art is required to submit to this call. Both artists and craftspeople are encouraged to apply.