State’s Public Art Program Opens Doors For Local Artists

New Mexico’s Art in Public Places Program is creating bright opportunities for artists and Sierra County talent could be part of the picture. Established in 1986 after the New Mexico State Legislature passed and the governor signed the Art in Public Places Act (Sections 13-4A-1 through 13-4A-11 NMSA), the program sets aside a portion of capital-expenditure appropriations to acquire or commission art for public buildings and their surroundings.

Since its launch, more than 3,000 works of art have been placed in public buildings and sites across all 33 New Mexico counties. The Public Art-AIPP program aims to enrich communities with innovative, dynamic public art that reflects the wide range of creative voices found in New Mexico, the Southwest and the nation.

The effort also connects directly with local public projects. Many Capital Appropriation Project grants received by the city from State of New Mexico funding entities include a requirement that a portion of the funding be used to obtain and display art by New Mexico artists.

That means works by Sierra County artists could be considered. To get started, artists or galleries must first complete a few steps. Each year, the Public Art-AIPP program launches an open call through the CaFE website. New Mexico artists can create a free account, upload a portfolio and follow the directions in each open-call prospectus. Eligible works should carry an all-inclusive price of between $1,000 and $20,000. Galleries may submit work for as many artists as they represent by creating a separate CaFE profile for each artist. Artists and galleries can then research opportunities statewide, and participating organizations review the artwork presented through AIPP before making their selections.

For program details and a link to CaFE, visit https://nmarts.org/public-art/info. Local artists and galleries to explore the program and perhaps help add even more hometown creativity to the city’s ongoing celebration of public art.