PROSPECTUS #256 T.I.M.E. PUBLIC ART ENGAGEMENT PROJECT - HOBBS
New Mexico Arts and the Hobbs Local Selection Committee seek to commission one or more temporary public art projects inspired by the community’s goals to activate public spaces, contribute to placemaking, and engage community members and visitors. Individual artists and artist teams are encouraged to apply. The committee would like to see proposals that consider one or both locations in Hobbs: 1) a segment of the Lovington Highway Health Walk Trail, and/or 2) the Lea County Center for the Arts in downtown Hobbs.

PROJECT INTENT

The strongest proposals will be works that engage the temporary nature of the T.I.M.E. project and consider the cultural and local histories of the area. A strong community engagement component that provides genuine enrichment for the host community must be considered. Site-specific works are encouraged. Artwork should appeal to both local residents and visitors to the area. No artwork requiring concrete pads or other environmentally damaging approaches will be considered. The artist will return the installation site to its original condition during scheduled artwork removal, subject to the approval of the site representative. Media must be low maintenance, safe for both children and adults, ADA compliant, and not leave a permanent mark on the environment when removed.

SITE INFORMATION

Artwork(s) will be installed in specified locations in Hobbs. Specific sites for the artwork will be determined by the requirements of the selected artwork in conjunction with the Hobbs Local Selection Committee. Potential artwork sites may include an identified corridor of the Lovington Highway Health Walk Trail and the Lea County Center for the Arts in downtown Hobbs. Artwork installed at the trail should encourage engagement of local users, visitors to the area, and travelers along the Lovington Highway. The trail has more than one artwork site available, and it is recommended that two or more related artworks be proposed for the location. Another artwork site is the Lea County Center for the Arts in downtown Hobbs. The center engages local residents and visitors through local cultural events year-round. The center offers potential interior opportunities, in addition to an outdoor pavilion space for artwork installation and community engagement. Access to electricity may be available at some locations, but limited in other areas (include ideas for power sources in submission materials). To prevent irreparable environmental damage, no large holes may be dug or foreign organic materials released into the environment. Artwork must be sufficiently secured against high winds and intense weather conditions that often arise in New Mexico. Wind conditions in Hobbs can reach 60-80 mph. The artist understands that their artwork may be subject to damage, vandalism or theft at any time due to the temporary nature and outdoor setting of the project. New Mexico Arts, the Hobbs Local Selection Committee, and participating sites, will not be responsible for such occurrences. Please see site details for more information.

PROJECT AMOUNT

New Mexico Arts has allocated $10,000 to the project, individual artists and artist teams may apply. Submissions must include budgets ranging from $3,000-$10,000 for the proposed project. The local selection committee may select a single proposal, or more than one proposal based on submitted budgets and available funding. The project amount must include all applicable expenses that the artist may incur while creating the artwork, such as materials, labor, insurance, taxes, installation, community engagement activities, and retrieval of the artwork (including returning the site to its original state). Artists will be paid in two phase payments. The first phase payment will be 50% of the agreement amount once the agreement is approved. The second phase payment of the remaining 50% of the agreement will be made after the artwork is installed, engagement activities have been performed, and all required documentation materials are received. There is no medical or workers’ compensation insurance provided by the State of New Mexico or the host sites. Artists will be responsible for providing personal coverage. All selected artists will be required to enter into a Public Artist Agreement with New Mexico Arts and the Host Site.

ELIGIBILITY

The project is open to New Mexico residents aged 18 years and older. Artists in all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.

TIMELINE

• Monday, December 2, 2019 Project Announced
• Friday, January 6, 2020  Submission Deadline
• Friday, January 17, 2020 Artists Notified
• January – June 30, 2020 (Project Period) Artwork Installation/Engagement Activity
• Removal of Artwork – Artwork is typically on temporary display for 30-60 days (Dates TBD)

Proposed timeline is subject to change. Selection criteria used by the Hobbs Local Selection Committee shall include, but is not limited to: Quality of concept, strength of proposal, quality of previous artwork, and proposed project’s attention to the culture and history of Hobbs, NM.

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 will result in disqualification from the competition.

Please provide:

• Artist's statement: provide an introduction to your work, medium, and explanation of your techniques. You may discuss your conceptual approach and inspiration; the statement should be used as a marketing tool relevant to the artwork being considered.
• Project description: describe your proposed project: what are you trying to communicate and how does it relate to the community/site? Tell us about dimensions, materials, installation, life-span, interactivity, content and physical impact of the project, and clean-up plan. Remember, that once the project is complete, the artwork must be removed, and the site must be returned to its original state.
• Community Engagement Component: describe any proposed community engagement activities (i.e., community help with creating the artwork, artist talk/workshop, special reception or performance, etc.). We encourage artists to consider the community in a thoughtful and meaningful way. Please provide a list of required materials, space considerations, assistance requirements, etc.
• Project Schedule:  All project activities must take place between January 2020-June 30, 2020. Please provide a timeline for proposed project activities.
• Project Budget: The project amount must include all applicable expenses that the artist may incur while creating the artwork, such as materials, labor, insurance, taxes, installation, community engagement activities, and retrieval of the artwork.
• CV or resume: Please include relevant experience, including temporary environmental art installations, if applicable. Please copy and paste into the text box provided.
• Artwork image(s) and video samples: One (1) to six (6) images with descriptions (title, media, dimensions, year of completion, and if applicable, project description, budget, and commissioning agency). There is the option to include one (1) to three (3) video samples. Provide examples of previously completed artwork and/or proposed artwork. Please review and follow the image preparation guide on CaFÉ.

ABOUT HOBBS

Hobbs is the largest municipality in Lea County, the southeastern-most county in New Mexico, located four miles from the Texas border and situated on the far western edge of the Llano Estacado. Like much of southern New Mexico, Hobbs represents the best of the “high desert,” with blue skies and warm sunshine. A regional center of oil and natural gas energy resources, the community has diversified with wind, solar, nuclear, healthcare and tourism industries. The Hobbs Local Selection Committee would like artists to consider the rich history of Hobbs as a vibrant community of artists, with a variety of cultural facilities, such as the Lea County Center for the Arts, and the Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame. Hobbs offers many independently owned shops and services, has leading medical centers and educational facilities, and a deep sense of community pride that celebrates the unique Cowboy and Ranching Heritage of the region. 

USEFUL LINKS AND INFORMATION

The Lovington Highway Health Walk Trail

The 7.15 mile-long linear park meanders along the west side of the Lovington Highway and provides a lush green welcome to those arriving in Hobbs from the north. A partnership between the City of Hobbs and the JF Maddox Foundation, the project provides opportunities for community members to walk, jog, bike, and enjoy a public space 24 hours-a-day.

Lea County Center for the Arts

Lea County Center for the Arts (LCCA) is a nonprofit where all art forms come together under one roof. LCCA is dedicated to presenting quality art shows, exhibitions, concerts and performances.

Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame

The home of "Hobbspitality," located on the Campus of New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, the museum is a regional leader in the preservation and exhibition of artifacts and materials documenting the Cowboy and Ranching Heritage of Southeast New Mexico and West Texas.

Hobbs Chamber of Commerce

The Hobbs Chamber is the community’s leading source of visitor and newcomer information.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The submission deadline is 4:00 PM (Mountain Standard Time MST) January 6, 2020. New Mexico Arts will provide technical assistance through 4:00 PM MST on January 6, 2020.

If you would like your submission materials reviewed by AIPP staff, please make an appointment no less than two weeks prior to the submission deadline. Technical assistance needs increase during the final two weeks of the call; therefore we cannot guarantee a review of materials during the last days of the call. Assistance is offered on a first-come first-served basis.

QUESTIONS

For more information, please contact Anna Blyth or Meredith Doborski, at: Anna.Blyth@state.nm.us or Meredith.Doborski@state.nm.us.

Selected artists for the temporary installations will be required to enter into a Public Artist Agreement with New Mexico Arts and the Site Host. Sample copies of the agreements are available upon request. 

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria