Engaging, welcoming artwork must incorporate city's diverse culture

Visit Las Cruces is excited to announce an open call for artists and artist groups to submit proposals for the design and installation of a permanent exterior mural for the Las Cruces Visitor Center.

"This mural will allow the public to engage with art while creating opportunities that promote our city as a desired travel destination," said Visit Las Cruces Director Rochelle Miller-Hernandez. "One of the main objectives of the project is to create art that inspires tourism while highlighting all the things that make Las Cruces such an extraordinary city."

The Las Cruces Visitor Center, 336 S. Main St., serves as the southern gateway to the city's downtown. The building is the location of Visit Las Cruces offices and is frequented by visitors, newly relocated individuals and community members. The mural will be located on the east-facing, north wall of the visitor center.

Located just north of the U.S.-Mexico border, on the homeland of the Manso people and the Piro-Manso-Tiwa community, Las Cruces and Doña Ana County are home to a multicultural, borderland community with strong bonds to its vibrant Hispanic/Latinx heritage and culture. The city is the second largest in the state, home to New Mexico State University, and is in a region with deep ties to agriculture and the expanse of public land that surrounds it.

Visit Las Cruces seeks a vibrant, memorable, welcoming concept that is reflective of our diverse culture. Interactive murals that allow the public to engage with the art and present photo opportunities are strongly encouraged. The chosen artwork will be site specific, culturally appropriate and prominently include the text "Las Cruces." The total budget for this project is $40,000 and includes all costs associated with the mural.

Only online submissions will be considered and are due by Sept. 12. Additional details on building specifications, costs covered and/or to submit your proposal, visit CaFÉ (callforentry.org). For additional information, contact Destination Experiences Sales Manager Hilary Dutcher at [email protected].

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Nestled in southern New Mexico's Mesilla Valley between the Rio Grande and Organ Mountains, Las Cruces is the state's second largest city with a population of more than 100,000- encompassed by thriving retirement, student and family living. Las Cruces is nationally recognized for its diverse landscapes, agricultural industry, affordability, hospitality, farmers market, food and more. It offers convenient access to White Sands National Park and multiple national monuments and state parks and has close connections to space tourism as the gateway Spaceport America.