Uptown: Louisiana Blvd NE & Indian School Road Public Art Project

Request for Qualifications: Call for Artists to Commission a Sculpture Work of Art

The Albuquerque Public Art Program seeks to commission a work of art to be located in the Uptown Neighborhood, within the public right-of-way at the southeast corner of the traffic intersection of Louisiana Boulevard NE and Indian School Road NE. The sculpture will become part of the permanent Albuquerque Public Art Collection. 

PROJECT INTENT/THEME:  The committee seeks to commission a work, or works, of 3-dimensional art suitable for installation at the southeast corner of Louisiana Boulevard NE and Indian School Road. The Art Selection Committee is interested in commissioning a sculpture that will connect with the themes of community in one of Albuquerque’s most vibrant, historic neighborhoods.  From the mid-heights to the east Mesas, the Uptown area was once known for its abundance of native plants such as juniper and butterfly weed.  Elm, pine and mulberry trees covered the land in the Sandia foothills before becoming farmland for the University of New Mexico and eventually developed into one of the most progressive commercial retail centers in the US with the construction of Winrock Mall and the Coronado Center, where the International Balloon Fiesta was first launched. 

The Art Selection Committee is interested in sculptural artworks that can serve as a landmark aimed at enhancing the vitality of the area.

SITE: Site for this project is the planned sculpture area next to the southeast corner of Louisiana Boulevard NE & Indian School Road. Dimensions of the available base area are 10’ x 6.5’ x 4’.

MEDIA/STYLE: Stone or metal or other suitable outdoor materials that can easily be maintained.

PROPOSAL AND BUDGET: Up to Five finalists will be chosen and paid a stipend of $1,000 for their proposal and presentation to the Art Selection Committee.  $65,000 is available to the selected artist to commission an artwork or multiple artworks for the site. The all-inclusive project budget includes the complete fabrication of a proposed sculpture as well as the engineering, transportation and installation of the artwork(s).

APPLICATION/SELECTION PROCESS: Artists must submit the following items for the project. 

1)   A letter of intent, not to exceed 500 words: a summary of your professional experience that outlines your suitability for this project, and your approach to public art and similar projects. Include a description of your past work and the themes that generated them.

 2)  Up to 8 (eight) digital images of past work, examples of successful public art projects.  Include visual representations and examples of your artwork, showcasing your artistic style and mediums you’ve worked in. Please include the title of the work, the media, the dimensions and year of completion.

3)  A current resume not to exceed 3 (three) pages should include statements regarding your artwork/art education or CV. If you are submitting as part of a team, please include separate resumes and statements for each individual.

DO NOT SUBMIT A PROPOSED DESIGN, as they will not be shown to the committee. This is a Request for Qualifications based on artistic style and approach. Finalists will be selected based upon the discretion of the Art Selection Committee.

This online process requires that all application images and materials be submitted in a digital format. All text documents should be in PDF format and all submitted images as jpegs. 

DEADLINE: The application, images, and other required materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm, Friday, March 20, 2026. 

QUESTIONS/FOLLOW UP: Questions about the project may be directed to Robyne Robinson at the Albuquerque Public Art Urban Enhancement Division, (505) 932-9952 or email: rrobinson@cabq.gov.

ELIGIBILITY: This is a regional, open competition for all artists residing in New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Utah, or Colorado. Proof of residency may be required. The Art Selection Committee will jury and recommend selections to the full Arts Board.