The Los Alamos County Arts in Public Places Advisory Board held a meeting on July 24, 2025, where members discussed several initiatives aimed at enhancing public art and community engagement. A key focus was on the upcoming Cineas Quintennial Art Competition, which is set to take place next June or July. The board is collaborating with the Step Up Gallery to finalize details, including a prompt for artists, with a soft deadline for submissions set for October and a firm deadline in January.

The competition will feature a jury selection process to choose artworks for exhibition, allowing community members to vote on their favorites. This interactive approach aims to foster local involvement and appreciation for the arts. The selected pieces will be displayed at the Step Up Gallery, with the community encouraged to participate in the voting process leading up to the Fourth of July celebrations.

Additionally, discussions touched on the importance of placing artwork in accessible locations, particularly in areas like the historic park downtown, which received positive feedback in a recent survey. Board members expressed a desire to ensure that art installations reflect a broader community experience rather than focusing on specific themes.

The meeting also highlighted the procedural aspects of art placement, noting that any proposed installations would need to go through both the Arts Board and the Historic Preservation Board for approval. This ensures that all artworks align with community standards and historical considerations.

As the board moves forward with these initiatives, they aim to create a vibrant public art scene that resonates with residents and enhances the cultural fabric of Los Alamos County. The next steps include finalizing the competition details and continuing discussions on potential art locations, with an emphasis on community input and accessibility.