Forecast Public Art activates, inspires, and advocates for public art that advances justice, health, and human dignity.
Forecast supports artists, partners, and communities throughout the entire process of creating public art that advances justice, health, and human dignity. We partner with decision-makers and stakeholders on arts and cultural planning efforts, and support public artists with funding, training, and opportunities to create partnerships and advance their public art careers. We also help others find, select, curate, fund, and commission public artists. Forecast emphasizes access for artists of color, indigenous artists, and groups that are traditionally excluded.
Forecast firmly believes that culture and creativity are important drivers of creating a more just society. As one of the country’s first nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing the field of public art, we are called to advocate for and advance public art practices that advance justice, health and human dignity. We are invested in public art that plays a crucial role in creating a sense of belonging, and supporting people to realize their potential and live healthy lives.
What is public art?
Public art plays a crucial role in shaping our culturally vibrant and sustainable communities. Artists of all disciplines are treating public space as a venue for creative experimentation. Public art offers opportunities for community collaboration, for ideas to shape our environment, and to influence change. The definition is always expanding — performance art, interventions, land art, and wrapped buildings are just some examples — and artists are redefining public art every day.
The City of Las Cruces is pleased to invite artists in Las Cruces to participate in ‘Making It Public’, a free 2-day, in-person training designed for artists interested in exploring and expanding their public art making practice.
This workshop covers practical and tactical subject matters for artists at all stages of their careers. Session panelists include local and national public artists and administrators. ‘Making It Public’ is facilitated by Forecast Public Art.
The workshop will take place:
- May 4 + 5, 2024, from 10:30am - 4:30pm each day [with a one hour lunch and planned breaks in the morning and afternoon. Lunch and snacks are provided each day]
- Free of cost for participants!
- Held in Las Cruces at the Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave,LasCruces, NM 88001
- Guest artists and speakers will share information about: community engagement, how to fund projects, and things to think about related to taxes, and include:
Workshop Registration Deadline
April 19, 2024 @ 11:59pm local time
Ask ALICE! Art Smarter, Not Harder workshops are made possible by grant funding from the NM Creative Industries Division.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Individuals or teams are asked to provide the following, combined into a single PDF document:
1. Letter of Interest: Please submit a one-page letter expressing your interest in the project, outlining your design and engagement approach, detailing how you plan to engage with the project, and providing your contact information.
2. Statement of Qualifications: Include information about your qualifications and past experience in public art..
3. Work Samples and Work Sample Listing: Provide up to 10 work samples from previous projects that demonstrate your expertise. Include up to 10 digital images showcasing your recent and relevant work. Individuals and teams are limited to a maximum of 10 images. Include all images and label each with your full name, followed by a number corresponding to the list of work samples. Prepare a one-page listing of each work sample, providing a brief description and budget for each. For example: work sample 1, description, budget, work sample 2, description, and so on. This list should correspond to the images submitted as part of your statement of qualifications and work samples.
4. References: Please provide a list of three references.
Ensure all materials are clearly labeled and submitted according to the specified guidelines.
NOTE: Do not submit a proposal for artworks at this time.
Deadline: Monday, April 01, 2024, no later than 11:59 pm CT.
Late applications will not be considered.
QUESTIONS
Please submit all questions related to the project to Taylan DeJohnette at taylan@forecastpublicart.org by March 18th.
An addendum to all questions submitted will be posted on March 21st on the Forecast website at:
https://forecastpublicart.org/sumner-library/
MARCH 15TH: SUMNER LIBRARY SITE VISIT QUESTION ADDENDUM
Please contact Taylan DeJohnette at taylan@forecastpublicart.org for additional site related questions.
1. Will there be signage or plaque information provided to the public pertaining to the artworks and its meaning?
- Yes, this will be provided by Sumner Library. Information included on the signage/plaque will be created in consultation with the artist.
2. Will there be additional lighting in or near the installation area?
- There won’t be any wall-wash or special lighting directed at the art, just the planned light fixtures for the room.
3. Will construction be completed in time for artwork installation?
- Yes, artists aren't expected to install until after construction is completed.
4. Will artists have access to storage facilities (for the purpose of storing installation equipment) in case artwork installation takes place over the course of several days?
- Depending on the amount of storage needed, Sumner library would be happy to accommodate storage needs.
5. Can artists use permanent methods of installation?
- No, in the case of mural/painted installations, Sumner would prefer the artwork to be adhered to a surface first that can then be attached to the installation area and is easily removable.
6. Following construction, what will be the walls final paint colors?
- The lobby walls will be Sherwin-Williams SW9109 Natural Linen. Other wall colors throughout the main level include SW6156 Ramie, SW7727 Koi Pond, and SW6172 Hardware. The ceilings will be white.
7. Is there a community engagement portion to the artwork?
- Yes, this will be an ongoing partnership between the artists and facilitators at Sumner Library.