NMDCA News:

The New Mexico History Museum (NMHM) is seeking an artist or artist team to create an original indoor mural to commemorate the centennial anniversary of Route 66.

NMHM announces an open call for artists to create a mural in honor of the centennial of Route 66, to be installed in the museum’s lobby. The mural will be on view for one year, January 2026 – January 2027. The selected design should include elements depicting Route 66 in New Mexico and its historical significance to the state.

Artists should consider not only the landscape and iconography of Route 66 but its social and cultural impact, and the design should be appropriate for audiences of all ages. Submissions are due online by July 31, 2025.

Selected finalists (up to five) will receive an honorarium of $500 per artist/team and the final selected artist/team will receive an honorarium of $18,000 for the completed mural. For application criteria, deadlines, and selection process visit artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=14644.

November 11, 2026, marks the centennial anniversary of the establishment of US Route 66. This iconic highway that stretched from Illinois to California was the primary road for western migration and tourism for decades.

As American automobile ownership increased, the highway became a symbol of freedom and escape. The influx of visitors and residents sparked a boom for business and trade including restaurants, motels, shops, and roadside attractions. The History Museum wishes to honor this important cultural route through this mural project.