Artists sought for ‘Art Stop’ program

The City of Las Cruces Quality of Life Department and the City Art Board (CAB) have launched “Art Stop,” a rotating art program that puts art in public places.

The goal to make it more accessible to community members, specifically along city bus routes, the city said on its website.

For the pilot phase of Art Stop, CAB will select six original artworks, submitted in a digital format, that can be printed and placed on pre-selected bus shelters throughout the city. The artwork will be displayed for a year. If the pilot program is successful, new artwork will be installed on an annual basis.
Artists must submit artwork proposed for Art Stop via CaFE (artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=12372), following these specifications: 

• The artwork must be original. Artwork can be a previous or a new work, digital or traditional (photographed in high-resolution, printable format).
• The format must be high-resolution photo or pdf, portrait orientation (36 inches by 74 inches), at least 300 DPI with bleed; print size is six feet, two inches by 3 feet.
• Submit one image or a collage of images.
• No mass-produced work or signage will be accepted.
• The artist should submit a short bio/artist statement and contact information with the artwork.
• The artwork must be appropriate for public display. Artwork that includes the apparent representation of violence, nudity, denigration of individuals and cultures or desecration of significant cultural symbols will be reviewed for it appropriateness to be displayed, the city said. Artwork that includes religious subject matter or symbols may be placed in a public space where it cannot be revered or used in religious service and is solely for the purpose of exhibiting cultural or historical traditions.
• The artist must be 18 years old or older to participate.
• Selected artists must register as vendors with the city.
• Participating artists must sign an artist release to use their work with compensation.
• The deadline to submit art is Saturday, Sept. 30.

Selected artists will receive a $500 stipend.

For more information, contact city Public Art Coordinator Ceci Vasconcellos at 575-541-2780 and cvasconcellos@lascruces.gov. Visit www.lascruces.gov/2647/Art-Stop-Rotating-Public-Art-Exhibit.