Call for Mural Artists in Albuquerque's International District

We invite you to paint the skyline of Somos! This opportunity is for artists to create a landmark public mural for a housing community in Albuquerque’s International District.

Somos, inspired by the Spanish phrase for “we are”, is a new mixed-income, senior-inclusive affordable housing community rising at 7200 Central Ave SE. You can see renderings and learn more about the property by visiting www.somosapts.com.

We are seeking a skilled New Mexico mural artist to create a defining work of public art that honors the living, breathing diversity of the International District and announces its presence to the city.

About the project: Somos is a four-story community featuring 59 affordable housing units and 11 market-rate apartments, thoughtfully designed with residents aged 55 and older in mind, though welcoming to all. Amenities include a community room, fitness center, on-site food pantry, enrichment services, and first floor retail space. The building sits steps from the ART International District transit station on the iconic Route 66 corridor.

The International District is one of Albuquerque’s most culturally rich and diverse neighborhoods, though one that has long been underinvested. This mural is an opportunity to celebrate the neighborhood’s people, resilience, and future. The work will be one of the most visible pieces of public art in the area, seen daily by residents, commuters, fairground visitors, and travelers on Route 66, framed by the stunning backdrop of the Sandia Mountains.

Compensation: $18,000

About Sol Housing: Sol Housing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization specializing in the planning, design, construction, and management of multi-family housing communities that people can afford. Founded in 1993, we create beautiful, stable, comfortable environments where residents don’t just survive, but flourish. In addition to creating exceptional communities, we provide enrichment services to our residents such as Food Pantry, Tutoring, Fitness Classes, Health and Wellness opportunities, and Computer and Financial Literacy education. Learn more about Sol Housing and our Albuquerque communities by visiting www.solhousing.org

Mural Dimensions: The mural spans two exterior elevations, beginning at the third floor and continuing to the top of the structure. 

West Facing Elevation: 19-1' x 26-9', North Facing Elevation: 22-4' x 26-9'

The lower ~10 feet in height on both elevations correspond to the future rooftop deck area, accessed and primarily visible to residents only. The upper portion cascades over the building’s top floors and is fully visible from the street, the Fairgrounds, and Route 66. Artists are encouraged to consider how their design reads both at close range and at a distance.

Due to the height and scale of the mural area, artist(s) will need to provide liability insurance for the duration of the project, as well as their own scaffolding and necessary equipment.

Please reference the photos, linked here, to develop a better understanding of the structure.

Artistic Direction: We are not prescribing a single narrative as we want to hear your vision! We invite submissions that engage authentically with the spirit of the International District: its multicultural identity, its many communities and generations, and its place within Albuquerque’s story. We welcome all visual traditions, styles, and artistic mediums suitable for large-scale exterior application, including paint, tile, mixed media, and beyond. This is an open invitation to dream boldly.

Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by a panel of International District community members, including local leaders and city representatives. Up to five finalists will be selected (depending on volume of submissions) and invited for an in-person tour of the mural space prior to the final award. This site visit is designed to support each finalist’s artistic vision and ensure they feel confident in the scale and scope of the work.

PLEASE NOTE: No AI-generated artwork will be accepted. This call is a celebration of human creativity, craft, and cultural connection. Any submission that incorporates AI-generated imagery, AI design tools, or AI-assisted concept generation in any form will be immediately disqualified.

The jury will rank submissions based on the quality of their application, with particular emphasis on artistic inspiration and the portfolio of previous work. Please include the following in your application:

• Provide previous examples of your work
• Contact information
• Artists must be age 18 or older
• Provide a minimum of two references from previous installation
• Initial concept overview of the Somos mural. Visual sketches, renderings, and/or mood boards strongly encouraged
• Brief description of your approach to materials, scaffolding, and insurance
• Provide your estimated budget for materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses.
• Preference points will be given to responses from low-income New Mexico resident artists. To qualify for the preference, you must self-certify you are a current New Mexico resident meeting one of the following: individual annual income of less than $51,200 in 2025 or you live in Public or Indian Housing, or you utilize a housing voucher for your residence.

• Must be a New Mexico-based artist or team

• Demonstrated experience completing large-scale exterior or public artwork

• Ability to provide own liability insurance for the duration of the project

• Ability to provide own scaffolding and all necessary access equipment

• All materials must be suitable for permanent exterior application

• Collaborating artists and teams are welcome to apply together

• Preference will be given to low-income artists and/or artists residing in the International District