NMFMA Rail Yards Mural

Call for Artists: NMFMA Mural Project at Rail Yards

Deadline: August 29, 2025

*To translate the Request for Qualifications, select the language under the TRANSLATE OUR SITE icon.

The City of Albuquerque Public Art Program, the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association (NMFMA), and Rail Yards Market seek to commission a public mural within the Downtown/Central Avenue area of Albuquerque that will cultivate community awareness of the far-reaching benefits of local food and farmers’ markets, in order to bolster community support for New Mexico agriculture, farmers’ markets, and the consumption of locally grown food. 

PROJECT OVERVIEW: The NMFMA supports all parts of our local food system – from farm, to market, to table. Farmers’ markets and programs like the SNAP Double Up program help make this nutritious food more accessible to more New Mexicans. This means more healthy food for New Mexico families, more sales for local farmers, and a boost for local economies.

Who does locally grown food benefit?

It’s good for our families:

• A strong local food system gives New Mexicans access to fresh fruits and vegetables while encouraging a balanced diet and healthier eating habits.

It’s good for our communities:

• Local agriculture helps preserve cultural knowledge and traditions.
• It keeps food dollars within New Mexico and strengthens our local economies.
• Local food outlets encourage social interaction and foster a spirit of community.

It’s good for the environment:

• Most local farmers use more environmentally friendly growing practices.
• Shorter distances between farm and market help reduce the carbon footprint.
• Smaller farms typically grow a wider variety of crops which sustains biodiversity.

SITE:  The site for the mural is the North West facing wall of the Pattern Building within the Rail Yards area of Barelas (777 1^st St SW). This 17’ x 60’ space is in a highly visible site.

PROJECT FUNDS: Thirty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($30,000.00) is available to commission the mural. The all-inclusive project budget includes design, materials, and completed installation of the mural design.

ELIGIBLITY: This is an open competition for local artists/muralists in the greater Albuquerque area, including Torrance, Sandoval, Valencia, and Bernalillo Counties. Artists must be 18 years of age to apply. Proof of New Mexico Tax Identification may be required.

MEDIA/STYLE/MATERIALS: The mural should be painted in outdoor materials that can be easily maintained.

PROJECT INTENT/THEME: Artists are encouraged to explore a diverse range of ideas and approaches to this mural. Submissions should conceptually reflect the meaningful benefits of our vibrant local food system.

This includes a wide range of possible subject matter including, but not limited to:

• All aspects of local agriculture including small farmers, planting and harvesting
• Benefits to the environment and health of the planet
• The abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables
• Local farmers’ markets and connections to community
• New Mexico culture and tradition
• The preparation, cooking and enjoyment of this food by people across New Mexico

SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA: The Selection Committee will review the submitted qualifications and work samples and will identify 1 to 3 finalists to submit a completed mural design. Final artists will receive a design stipend of $600 to provide preliminary sketches of their concept, a final color, to-scale drawing of their composition, and a work plan, including a breakdown of their budget, materials and timing.

Selection criteria shall include:

• How well the proposed concept supports the mission and theme of the mural project
• The artist’s work experience, references and portfolio of past work

PROJECT TIMELINE:

• August 6, 2025: Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to local artists/muralists opens
• August 29, 2025 at 3:59 p.m.: Deadline for RFQ submissions
• September 1 – September 12, 2025: Selection Committee reviews and identifies finalists
• September 12, 2025: Finalists notified
• October 6, 2025 at 3:59 p.m.: Deadline for Finalists’ designs
• October 7 – 15, 2025: Selection Committees reviews Finalists’ designs and recommends selected design to the Albuquerque Arts Board
• October – November 2025: Execute contract
• Late Fall 2025 – Early Spring 2026: Mural is completed

Artists must submit the following items for the project through the application webpage: https://coacommunityevents.wufoo.com/forms/nmfma-mural-project-at-the-rail-yards/

Artists must submit the following items:

• A written narrative to convey artistic intent, style of work, and proposed mural concept. Not to exceed 500 words.
• A current CV/brief resumé including statements regarding your artwork/art education and past work including previous experience in creating murals, etc. Not to exceed 500 words.
• Up to Five (5) artwork examples demonstrating the artist’s style complete with artwork descriptions including title, dimensions, and year of completion.

This online process requires that all application images and materials be submitted in digital format. (PDF and JPEG)

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: August 29, 2025 3:59 pm. Submissions must be posted on Wufoo

QUESTIONS/FOLLOW UP: Questions about the project may be directed to Mandolen Sanchez at the Albuquerque Public Art Urban Enhancement Division, (505) 768-3566 or email: [email protected]