2025 Call for 2-D Existing Art

Call for Artists to Purchase 2-Dimensional Works of Art for the Public Art Collection.

Deadline for Mail-In Submissions: Postmarked by October 1, 2025
Deadline for Online Submissions: October 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

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The Albuquerque Arts Board and the City of Albuquerque Public Art Program seek to purchase two-dimensional works of art that will become part of the permanent Albuquerque Public Art Collection. The works will be displayed indoors at the Albuquerque Public Art Collection. The works will be displayed indoors at Albuquerque Public Facilities on a changing/rotating basis so Albuquerque residents have an opportunity to see public artwork at numerous City locations. Primary locations include Albuquerque City Hall as well as the Convention Center, Albuquerque libraries, community centers and other public spaces chosen for new acquisitions. 

PROJECT INTENT/THEME: The committee is interested in purchasing existing works made by New Mexico artists that show compelling craftsmanship and technique in a range of media including: painting, printmaking, drawing, collage, weaving, mixed media photography and assemblage. Digital photography and original works must be printed on archival paper using archival inks; Giclée reproductions of original works will not be accepted. 

SITE: Exhibition sites for this collection of 2-D artworks will include, but not limited to, Albuquerque City Hall, the east and/or west complexes of the Convention Center, city libraries, community centers and other city owned facilities deemed appropriate by the Albuquerque Arts Board. 

MEDIA/STYLE/SIZE: Categories for Purchase will be: Traditional and Contemporary 2-D original art (landscape, figurative or abstract), completed within the last three years. 

The artwork must be appropriate for public display at any city facility, following the Public Art Guidelines section VI.J.5. (see below):

• New or existing artwork that include the apparent representation of violence, inappropriate nudity, denigration of individuals and cultures, or appropriation of and/or desecration of significant cultural symbols, will be reviewed for their appropriateness to be displayed; and 
• New or existing artwork that include religious subject matter or symbols that may be placed in a public space as long as it is not in a location where it can be revered or used in religious service and is solely for the purpose of exhibiting cultural or historical traditions.

PROJECT FUNDS: One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000) is available for purchasing artworks for the City of Albuquerque Public Art Collection. The source for this project is provided by General Obligation Bonds - 1.5% for Art. Artworks should be priced to include the purchase price of the work and framing costs. Please see framing requirements when calculating framing costs.

APPLICATION/SELECTION PROCESS: This is an open competition for all artists living in the State of New Mexico. Proof of New Mexico Tax Identification may be required. The Selection Committee will jury the artwork and recommend selections to the full Arts Board. 

The City of Albuquerque Public Art Urban Enhancement Division is conducting this application and selection process via CaFE. This online process requires that all application images and materials be submitted in a digital format.

ELIGIBILITY: Legal residents of New Mexico are eligible to submit. City employees and their families are eligible to submit works of art for purchase under $1,000. Artists living and working in the State of New Mexico, must be 18 years of age to apply.

MATERIALS: See requirements for framing 2-D artwork. Oil or acrylic paintings must have some form of protection if the work is not under glass. Works within a series, i.e. diptych or triptychs can be submitted and will be counted as one submission.

Artists must submit the following items:

1. A statement under 500 words which includes a description of the artwork submitted, medium used, dimensions, year of completion and cost of the work(s), including all framing. 
2. A current CV/brief resume including exhibition history, art education and past honors, etc. Not to exceed 500 words. 
3. Up to two (2) existing artwork submissions for consideration. Only one work may be chosen for purchase from an individual artist. If submitted work is sold prior to notification, no substitutes will be allowed. Clearly label each image with your name and title of the work. ***Mail-In Applicants must include all documents and digital copies of works for consideration via flash drive.**

The intent is for artists to submit exceptional artworks that best represent the artistic careers of those working in the visual arts in New Mexico. 

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION:  Submissions must be posted on CaFE (Call for Entry) at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Please note that staff support for technical or submission inquiries will no longer be available starting at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on October 10, 2025. After this time, applicants will be responsible for resolving any potential issues on their own. There will be no exceptions made for late submissions for the deadlines. 

• Mail-In Applications - Applicants submitting their materials by mail must ensure that all documents are postmarked no later than October 1, 2025, to allow sufficient time for staff to process and input the information into the system by the final data entry deadline of October 12, 2025. Applicants must include all documents and digital copies of works for consideration via flash drive. 
  
  Please plan accordingly; late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. It is the applicant's responsibility to allow for mailing and delivery time to meet this deadline.
  
  Mail to:
  Public Art Urban Enhancement Division
  COA/DAC
  Attn: Noel Begay
  P.O. Box 1293
  Albuquerque, NM 87103
  
  
• Online Applicants - All online applications must be fully submitted by the official deadline of October 12, 2025 no later than 11:59 p.m. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete and submit well in advance.

QUESTIONS/FOLLOW UP: Questions about the project may be directed to Noel Begay at the Albuquerque Public Art Urban Enhancement Division, (505)768-3676 or email: [email protected]. 

Framing Requirements:

All two-dimensional works must be framed and have museum quality framing, in new condition and ready for immediate display. It is recommended that artists who are selected review framing and presentation requirements with Public Art program staff. If there is a relief component to the work, it must not extend more than three (3) inches from the surface of the work or wall.

For Photography, Drawing, Pastels, Assemblage, Mixed-Media and Print work:

1. Substrate and Mat Type - 100% Cotton rag.
2. Mat Size - not to be less than 2 inches all the way around.
3. Backing - Acid Free, museum quality.
4. Mounting - Acid Free, museum quality. 
5. Frame Material - Simple profile, maple or oak molding, 1.5" or larger, recommended. Carved or sculpted molding stock is not recommended.
6. Plexiglas protective covering is required on all 2-D pieces.
7. Glass is required on pastels.
8. Spacers when necessary so Plexiglas/glass does not touch the artwork.

Painting on Canvas:

1. All paintings must be protected by glass or Plexiglass in a method that's best for the artwork.
2. City staff will install security hardware.

For Weaving or Fiber works:

1. Works must be under Plexiglass or glass.
2. Frame material - simple profile, maple or oak molding, 1.5" or larger on the face.
3. Spacer when necessary so that Plexiglass does not touch the artwork.