ABQ Times

The City of Albuquerque is preparing for the centennial celebration of historic Route 66 with a series of redevelopment initiatives, including a new park and increased art installations along Central Avenue. A key feature of these plans is the introduction of a community-generated public artwork at the southeast corner of the new International District Park, adjacent to the library. The City's Public Art and Urban Enhancement Division has announced a Call for Artists to participate in a "restorative design" process that involves collaboration with the local community.

Restorative design focuses on revitalizing communities by fostering wellness, connecting people to nature, and creating infrastructure that benefits locals while minimizing environmental impact. The City emphasizes the importance of incorporating local voices in this process to reflect the community's needs and aspirations.

Mayor Tim Keller stated, "My affinity for the ID goes back to my State Senator days representing the area, so I fully understand that revitalization needs to reflect the needs and voices of those in the community. The upcoming Route 66 Centennial, along with the new park and vibrant art installation, will all enhance this historic neighborhood."

Public Art is seeking four visual artists connected to the District to engage in workshops aimed at developing a visual identity for their proposed designs. These workshops will be open to the public and held at local non-profit sites within the district.

Each participating artist will receive $3,500 for their involvement in workshops leading up to one final design selection by a jury. The chosen design will undergo construction and fabrication resulting in large-scale artwork inspired by community themes.

The project aims not only to enrich cultural expression but also invest in improving socioeconomic conditions within this vital section of Route 66. Funding support comes from both National Trust for Historic Preservation and an NEA Our Town grant award.

Sherri Brueggemann, Public Art manager said, “As creative visions of International District are historically underrepresented... we are thrilled working with Friends of Orphan Signs giving community artists voice.”

Friends of Orphan Signs leads artist teams with an embedded International District artist ensuring deep-rooted collaboration.

Project Manager Aiko Jio added, “The creative expression... safeguards dreams from commodification reinforcing ideals through funded action herein.”

Submissions for artists open November 1-25 at https://coacommunityevents.wufoo.com/forms/international-district-sign-artistfacilitator-rfi/. Selected artists will be informed by early January followed by a summit on January 25 at International District Library; workshops begin Spring 2025. For further details contact Aiko Jio or Amanda Sutton via provided emails.