Prospectus #274 NM Tech - Public Art Site Specific Commission Project - Socorro, New Mexico

AIPP Mission StatementThe 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 IntentThe Art in Public Places Program of New Mexico Arts and the Local Selection Committee (LSC) of New

Mexico Tech seek to commission an artist/artist team to create and install site-specific artwork for an area of the university’s grassed quad/courtyard. Seeking artwork that will provide shade/seating/tables/possible lighting/possible charging station(s)/accessibility for students/faculty/visitors in specified areas identified directly behind Brown Hall on the NMT campus in Socorro, NM. Artwork should capture and recognize the history, acknowledge the land/culture of the area and the work being accomplished by the university, while providing a safe gathering space for all to enjoy. Statement to consider: “Mining multifaceted histories towards an innovative future.”Proposed Artwork should incorporate/consider the following: MUST provide accessible seating, shade, and tables/surfaces, to create a gathering place for all usersMUST provide visual storytelling that invites and engages with campus and communityCAN provide lighting (solar/electric)CAN provide charging stations (solar/electric)CAN incorporate elements of the work being accomplished at the university, including: geosciences, astrophysics, geology, mining, biomedical sciences, biology, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, computer science, earth science, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, information technology, materials engineering, physics, psychology, petroleum and natural gas engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, mineral engineering, chemistry, and communication.CAN represent history of the families that contributed to the success of the area and universityCAN acknowledge the indigenous history, land, cultural heritage, the river, ranching/farming, mining, technology, the historical families of the area that contributed to the success of NMT and the area, where we came from and where we are going , an homage to the land, the evolution of the land, and the diversity of the region past/present.CAN be a pet friendly spaceArtist will have access to university archive library and Socorro Historical Society resources for research purposesArtwork media/construction can be traditional/mixed/experimental in nature, but MUST BE constructed out of materials that will survive a permanent installation outdoors in the Southern New Mexico climate with high public traffic and regular exposure to sunlight, wind and rainArtwork MUST fit the allotted installation area. Please see site plan for measurements and more installation site information. Artwork CANNOT be installed on top of any existing utility lines (please see site plan).No artworks incorporating water features or elements will be considered.The resulting artwork(s) will need to withstand a permanent exterior installation within the identified areas in the courtyard area behind Brown Hall. The LSC is interested in artwork of all media conducive to exterior/outdoor installation in the southern New Mexico climate, representational to abstract in style. Artwork should incorporate a theme of ideas as described above embodying: “Mining multifaceted histories towards an innovative future.” Socorro, Socorro County, NMT and the surrounding area is steeped in rich history and cultural heritage. Please see more information about Socorro County and NMT below. Artists should also consider the identified installation locations available and how to best utilize the space: please CLICK HERE for site photos/measurements/details.Ultimately, the installation of this artwork will assist in creating a gathering space for students/faculty/staff, locals, and visitors to the campus.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 HEREto download a PDF with installation site photos/measurements/details. Site InformationThe installation site is located behind Brown Hall on campus in Socorro, NM. The courtyard area behind Brown Hall is a gathering place for students/faculty/staff/visitors to campus and the community at large. Performances and events will occur on the back patio of Brown Hall regularly, and students walk to and from class through this courtyard area daily. This is also an open public space utilized by the community on weekends and during school breaks. Socorro CountyAmong the early inhabitants of the county were the pueblo people, the “Piros” who settled in the area around 1200. Several centuries later, the region was also populated by tribes to be later known as the Navajo and Apaches.Today in Socorro County, ranching and farming is still the most vital part of the economy, but the County is also leading the way in the technological development of the country with the help of world-renowned research facilities such as New Mexico Tech, the NRAO's VLA, and Stallion Site on White Sands Missile Range.To learn more about Socorro County, NM please visit: https://www.socorrocounty.net/general-information/history To learn more about Socorro County Historical Society, please visit: https://socorro-history.org/index.html NEW MEXICO TECH In 1889, Socorro was a mining boom town, wild, raucous, and, at a population of about 4500, one of the largest towns in New Mexico. The Territorial Legislature, wanting to boost New Mexico's economy, decided to found a School of Mines to train young mining engineers, and Socorro was the ideal location. Silver and lead ores taken from the nearby Magdalena Mountains were processed at the smelter owned by German immigrant Gustav Billings, and the new School of Mines would allow young mining engineers to train near the eventual site of their work. The New Mexico School of Mines (NMSM) proudly opened its doors on September 5, 1893, with one building, two professors, and seven students. Courses offered included chemistry and metallurgy.The school is located in the colorful and historic Rio Grande valley and has a beautifully landscaped green campus. Vision: To be an inclusive, distinguished, and vibrant community of scholars dedicated to continual enhancements in education, research, and innovation to meet the STE2M challenges of tomorrow.Mission: New Mexico Tech leads education and research in science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, and mathematics (STE2M) for New Mexico.We educate a diverse student body in foundational and collaborative student-focused programs.We lead by example through life-long learning.We forge scientists, engineers, and leaders for the future.We serve the public through research, scientific knowledge, economic development, and STE2M outreach, benefiting the communities of New Mexico and beyond.To learn more about NMT please visit: https://www.nmt.edu/aboutnmt/nmthistory.php Project Amount$390,500 (after finalist presentation fees) is available to commission an artist/artist team to create public artwork for a designated area behind Brown Hall in the campus courtyard, 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 CriteriaThe Local Selection Committee (LSC) is made up of representatives from the owner/user agency (NMT): 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 LSC is responsible for prospectus development, submission review, finalist selection and ultimately selecting the artist or artist team 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 provided 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 New Mexico Tech 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 or artist team 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: https://www.nmarts.org/assets/files/aipp/Docs%20And%20Forms/AIPP%20Commission%20-%20Finalist%20Presentation%20-%20Cxt%20Template.pdf Project Timeline (subject to change) :October 2023 – Project AnnouncedDecember 2023 – Application Submission Deadline December 2023 - Jurying of Submissions by LSCJanuary 2024 – Notification of 5 FinalistsSpring 2024 – Finalist Presentations (in-person at New Mexico Tech)Spring 2024 – Finalist Selection NotificationQuestions/Follow UpQuestions regarding this opportunity should be directed to Meredith Doborski, Public Art Program Director, at 505-396-0326, email: Meredith.doborski@dca.nm.govIf 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, December 1, 2023 Application Requirements Submission RequirementsPlease 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 ( https://www.callforentry.org/) according to the specifications outlined below:An artist statement/letter of interestwritten specifically to address the following: Describe your artwork/approach/style/perspective/background. Answer: 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 mediademonstrating relevant work experience, particularly public art, publicly or privately funded. Include links to websites, social media or any additional information that will assist the LSC with learning more about you and your art.15 images and/or 5 videos of artwork PREVIOUSLY created (portfolio) that showcase 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 EligibilityThis REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONSis open to all artists/artist teams currently residing in the United States. 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 New Mexico Tech 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 NMT or NMDCA for the duration of the project. Print this Page View Rules & Terms to Apply