The Albuquerque Convention Center is not only a state-of-the-art facility for events and meetings, it is also a vibrant canvas showcasing the rich artistic heritage of New Mexico. Whether you’re a local resident or a curious traveler passing through, the art at the Convention Center invites you to explore and appreciate the soul of Albuquerque, one work of art at a time.
The Albuquerque Public Art Program was established in 1978 following approval by the Albuquerque City Council. Its mission is to promote and enhance the development, public awareness and appreciation of the fine and performing arts, as well as cultural properties within the city. The program oversees the process in which public art is displayed across public spaces around the city, including those in and around the Albuquerque Convention Center.
A cornerstone of the Convention Center’s art collection is its commitment to showcasing pieces that resonate with the local culture and identity. Many of the artworks prominently feature themes and perspectives unique to New Mexico, offering visitors a glimpse into the state’s rich cultural history. “The majority of the artwork purchased and displayed in the Convention Center is by artists representing New Mexico,” said Mandolen Sanchez, Public Art Outreach Program Coordinator for the City of Albuquerque Arts & Culture Department’s Public Art Urban Enhancement Division. “While the Convention Center is for local use as well, a lot of tourists and travelers go through the space.”
Artworks displayed in the Convention Center are chosen by an art selection committee typically comprised of Arts Board members and community representatives. Artists are invited to submit their pieces for consideration, ensuring a dynamic and diverse collection that reflects the cultural tapestry of Albuquerque and its surroundings. “It is meant to really show range of styles including abstract and figurative pieces. There are also different mediums involved. There’s fresco and mosaic and there’s some sculpture,” said Sanchez.
More than 100 pieces of art are displayed at the Convention Center. Among the notable artworks, Frank McCulloch’s “Triptych” stands out as a beloved piece. This trio of vibrant landscape abstracts continues to captivate visitors in the west building of the Convention Center. Another unique piece to the Center is Frederico Vigil’s 2,500-square-foot fresco, located in the circular stairwell, which is currently in progress.
In today’s evolving landscape of public art, the role of spaces like the Albuquerque Convention Center extends beyond mere decoration. It serves as a platform for public dialogue and engagement, reflecting the evolving tastes and values of the community. “Public art is about integrating the public’s thought of art and what they want to see in the city. It’s about displaying what should represent New Mexico in spaces like the Convention Center,” said Sanchez. “It's about adapting and evolving our process to better align with what the public wishes to have throughout the city. It’s their art collection, and we are here to steward it.”
