CALL FOR ARTISTS
2027 Western Lights Festival
Lighted Art and Temporary Outdoor Installations
Reno, Nevada
Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026, at 11:00 pm PST
Budget: $35,000 total to fund multiple projects
SUMMARY:
The City of Reno is accepting proposals from artists/artist teams for temporary public art installations throughout downtown Reno for the 2027 Western Lights Festival. The Reno Western Lights Festival is a free open-air festival with the nighttime backdrop of downtown Reno. This project requires light, illumination, and/or lit up elements to be a major component of the proposed artwork. The artwork/installation will be part of multiple works on display for the Western Lights Festival taking place February 18 – 20, 2027. The City is encouraging works that already exist due to budget constraints, but we will accept proposals for new works. We are looking for all types of lighted art, including light shows, projection mapping, interactive pieces, sculptures, or other installation types. Interactive performing arts acts incorporating illuminated costumes, props, wearables, instruments, or performance-based light elements such as dance, theater, movement-based installations, or participatory light activations will also be accepted for consideration.
ARTIST QUALIFICATIONS / ELIGIBILITY:
This is a regional call and request for proposals. Artist must reside within 150 miles of Reno. This project is open to any artist regardless of race, color, creed, gender, gender variance, national origin, age, religion, marital status, political opinion or affiliation, or mental or physical handicap. Artists may apply as a single artist or as a multi-person collaborative group. In the case of a group, please apply under one single application. Artists and teams living and working in Northern Nevada or Northern California and who have experience implementing projects with a similar budget and scope are encouraged to apply.
- Artists aged 18 or older may apply as an individual or a team
- Must be able to independently transport and install work/s
- Eligible applicants must reside in Northern Nevada or Northern California within 150 miles of Reno
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City of Reno is seeking artists for temporary outdoor public art installations for the Western Lights Festival in February of 2027. Projects must incorporate lighted elements and/or illumination. The selection committee is looking for proposals for all types of temporary lighted art, including sculptures or 3D works (works can be either stationed on the ground and/or suspended), light shows, projection mapping, light-integrated performances, or other installation types to install at multiple locations.
The use of bright colors and bright lights that stand out in the urban environment is required. The City is encouraging works that already exist due to budget constraints, but we will accept proposals for new works. The proposed artwork must be durable enough to sustain high winds and winter conditions. Artists are responsible for transportation, installation, and deinstallation of the artwork. There will likely be assistance available to help with installation but if the work requires special equipment to install and deinstall, that will be the responsibility of the artist. Security for the artwork will be provided.
The goals for the project include creating a welcoming and vibrant character for Reno’s downtown area, broadening visitors’ perspectives of public spaces within the City, and creating an interactive and festive environment for festival attendees.
The City of Reno seeks artists with prior public art experience, specifically in public gatherings including lit up sculptural and projection projects. Final selection of artists/artworks will be made by the Reno Arts & Culture Advisory Board (ACAB), and stakeholders based on qualifications, proposal, and budget.
LOCATIONS:
Selection of location will be done by City of Reno staff, stakeholders, and the Public Art Committee based on the requirements of the artwork including, but not limited to, scale, equipment needs, and accessibility. The focal areas of the Western Lights Festival are City Plaza, West Street Plaza, Locomotion Plaza, Virginia Street, and the Riverwalk between City Plaza and West Street Plaza.
ABOUT THE WESTERN LIGHTS FESTIVAL:
The Western Lights Festival aims to electrify downtown Reno with a vibrant and immersive art experience, free and open to all. Western Lights isn’t just a festival—it’s an immersive adventure that illuminates the heart of Reno with vibrant art, innovation, and creativity. In partnership with Grand Artique, the City of Reno, and visionary artists, we transform the city’s streets into a luminous playground. Stroll through dazzling installations and interactive experiences that showcase Nevada’s cultural hub like never before. Come see Reno in a whole new light – for free!
BUDGET:
Artists may ask for up to $6,500 maximum. Artists are asked to include their total budget estimations in their proposal submissions. The selection of the project commission is dependent on funding availability. Budgets must include all services from design through final installation/implementation, including artist fee/s, fabrication, insurance, transportation, travel fees, equipment, and installation. Priority will be given to installations that show the most economical use of funding for the scale and scope of work. In rare cases, the review committee and Arts and Culture staff may counteroffer budget proposal based on available funding.
SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA:
The ACAB will review applications and select artists/artworks for the festival.
Selection of artists and artwork will be based on the following criteria:
- Letter of interest addressing key points, including past experience relevant to this opportunity and appropriateness of artwork for this event.
- Artwork fits with festival goals and ability to be in a public setting during wintertime for 4+ days.
- Budget (There is limited funding available. Preference will be given to installations that show the most economical use of funding for the scale and scope of work.)
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
To be submitted via Submittable. (https://cityofrenoartscultureandevents.submittable.com/submit).
1. Artist Information: Completed fields for the primary artist/s address, email, phone number, social media or website (if applicable). You must also include a short artist bio for all team members.
2. Proposal: Include a written proposal with a clear description of the artwork, materials used, installation and electrical needs (including any equipment needed for installation), concept/inspiration behind the piece and photo/s or sketches of proposed artworks.
3. Budget: Budgets must include all services from design through final installation/implementation, including artist fee/s, fabrication, insurance, transportation, travel fees, equipment, and installation. If the piece is already existing, design and fabrication should not be included.
4. Letter of Interest: Address how the applicant’s previous experience and current artistic direction will result in a successful public art project for this festival. Include detailed information on how you would approach this project and how it is appropriate for this event.
Estimated timeline:
Proposal submission deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026, at 11:00 pm PST
Mid-November 2026: Committee review
Mid-December 2026: Selection of artists and artists notified
February 18-20, 2027, Western Lights Festival
All questions regarding this request for proposals are to be directed to the Reno Arts & Culture team at publicart@reno.gov
Special Event Sponsorship
SUMMARY:
The City of Reno Special Event Sponsorships are awarded to permitted events hosted in the City of Reno. The events may be anywhere within the Reno city limits. Sponsorships will be used to off-set City services billed in conjunction with the performance of the special event.
A Special Event is any planned gathering of 75 or more persons which is to assemble or travel in an organized manner on any street, park or other public property; or,
Any planned activity conducted by a person for a common or collective use, purpose or benefit which directly or indirectly involves the use of, and has an impact on, city street(s), park(s), or other public property or facilities which reasonable requires city management, regulation, or resources to protect the health, safety, welfare, or property of the city or its residents, coordinate multiple used of public property, control traffic, or address other substantial governmental interests at or around the activity.
Examples of special events include, but are not limited to:
- Parades;
- Street fairs and festivals;
- Live commercial music events;
- Athletic or sporting events (e.g. races, runs);
- Circuses or carnivals;
- Community celebrations and observances;
- Commercial shows, trade shows, and business promotions; or
- Commercial promotional or fund-raising activities.
A competitive application will demonstrate economic, social, or cultural impact as well as a plan to reach in the following ways:
- Engages participants through a variety of means
- Event times, locations, facilities, and technology are accessible to the public
- Collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve future special events
- Demonstrates social, educational, cultural, and/or economic relevance for the community
- Contributes to vibrant, creative neighborhoods
ELIGIBILITY:
- Event permitted January 1 2027 - June 30, 2027
- Special Event Permit Application must be submitted PRIOR to your sponsorship application
- Payment for Special Event fees charged by the City must be paid in FULL to be eligible for sponsorship
- Your account with the City of Reno must be up to date and have no outstanding balances to be considered
- Held within City limits
Special Event Sponsorship applications will be evaluated based on the following:
1. The Event: All answers in this section address overall merit including overall benefit to the Community including tourism, open space activation, and cultural impact.
2. The Community: Questions in this section describe the organization’s ability to engage the community effectively. Answers should include evidence that the organization understands the economic impact or community engagement.
3. Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations: These questions will seek to learn your target audience, communication plans, and what resources will be dedicated to marketing and promoting your event.
4. Financial: This section will address the specific budget for the event or project. Show realistic numbers for costs related to the event.
Funding
Committee discretion for allocation of up to $200,000 for events permitted in Reno. Limits per event will be set and determined by the Sponsorship Committee. Sponsorship funds will not be dispersed until final billing for Special Events fees charged by the City is complete.
SPONSORSHIP WINDOW
Sponsorship is eligible for events occurring between January 1, 2027 - June 30, 2027.
DEADLINE
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY December 11, 2026 FOR CONSIDERATION.
If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact Community@Reno.Gov.