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Santa Fe, NM- Santa Fe County invites local artists to submit proposals for a public art installation to enhance the lobby of the Santa Fe County Administrative Complex at 240 Grant Avenue. This project aims to celebrate Santa Fe's rich history and cultural diversity while showcasing the talents of Northern New Mexico artists. 

The theme for this project focuses on honoring the unique, suppressed, or ecological stories of the diverse communities who have journeyed the historic Old Spanish Trail, Camino Real, and later the Santa Fe Trail. These routes have linked the heart of Mexico to Northern New Mexico, a conduit for trade, settlement, and cultural exchange among Indigenous, Spanish, and Anglo communities. Through this public art project, Santa Fe County is committed to uplifting diverse narratives of this complex legacy—not only the losses or erasures but also the resilience and vibrant community life that continue to thrive beyond popular narratives. 

The selected artwork will expand upon these historical narratives by exploring the "other" trails that have shaped the County’s cultural and economic fabric. Artists are encouraged to interpret themes such as migration, mestizaje, and co-existence and consider the terms: trails, trade, migration, interchange, mix, junction, exchange, comingle, and node through a 3D sculptural mobile designed for installation in the skylight wells of the administrative complex's lobby. 

Project Goals 

Santa Fe County envisions this artwork to: 

Enhance residents' and visitors' experiences with engaging and meaningful art. 

Reflect the full spectrum of Santa Fe’s rich cultural history. 

Highlight the talent of local artists and galleries. 

Promote public art as a vital element of community identity and pride. 

Contribute to Santa Fe’s legacy as a global destination for art and culture. 

Project Budget: $75,000 (including of design, materials, installation, and taxes). 

Eligibility: Open to artists residing in Northern New Mexico, aged 18 or older, with experience in medium-scale projects, mainly 3D or mobile works. 

Submission Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2025, at 5:00 pm. 

Download the submission requirements and selection process at: https://www.dropbox.com

Submissions can be emailed to Project Manager Robert Lambert at  rlambert@santafecountynm.gov or delivered via digital jump drive to: 

Robert D. Lambert, Project Manager II 

Santa Fe County Public Works/Projects 

424 NM Highway 599, Building H 

Santa Fe, NM 87507.  

For questions, contact Robert Lambert at 505-992-9868 or rlambert@santafecountynm.gov.  

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