City of Reno Arts & Culture Project Grants 2027

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City of Reno Arts & Culture 2027 Project Grants

SUMMARY:

City of Reno Arts & Culture Project Grants challenge arts and culture nonprofits to serve Reno's historically underserved populations with arts and culture programming and to seek innovative partnerships. The grant application asks organizations to demonstrate social impact beyond a traditional audience experience as well as a plan to reach diverse and historically underserved populations.

Project Grants may not be used for the following: capital improvements or acquisition of equipment or property, projects which further the aims of religious organizations, fundraising, prizes, projects which involve touring outside of Reno, indirect costs, general operating costs, and scholarships or research stipends.

Awards support projects that engage at least one of Reno's historically underserved populations in creative programming or artmaking. Historically underserved populations may include one or more of the following: seniors, ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab and Native American), people with disabilities, new Americans, low-income, veterans, youth, and LGBTQIA+. Projects seeking grant funding will encourage participation in the visual arts, craft, media, music, theater, dance, folk, history or literary arts through events, performances, exhibits, classes/workshops, and other arts programs. Expenses that qualify for funding include artist fees, public performance and exhibition costs, project-related promotion and marketing, art consultants, guest teaching artist fees, materials, and supplies, and facilities rentals outside of arts organizations main offices. Applicants can receive up to fifty percent of eligible program costs, not to exceed $7,000. Requires a 1:1 cash match.

This is a reimbursement grant. Grant funds are not dispersed until final reporting is complete.

A competitive application will demonstrate social impact beyond a traditional audience experience as well as a plan to reach diverse and underserved populations in the following ways:

The project engages participants through a variety of means.
Project times, locations, facilities, and technology are accessible to the public.
The organization understands the community it serves (geographical, cultural, economic, racial, educational relevance, etc.).
The organization utilizes partnerships to effectively serve specific communities
The organization collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve community-focused programming.
The project demonstrates social, educational, cultural, and/or economic relevance for the community.
The project contributes to vibrant, creative neighborhoods.

ELIGIBILITY:

Non-profit organizations or public institutions under Chapter 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or qualified educational institutions. Grants will not be awarded to individuals.
Applicants may apply for a City of Reno Event Grant as well but may only be considered for one grant depending on the amount of funding requests. Event Grant programming must be different from a grant request for a Project Grant.
Non-profit organizations or public institutions can only apply for one Project Grant.
Non-profit organizations and public institutions must have their official business address located in Reno or a surrounding neighbor community such as Sparks, Incline Village, or Truckee.
Applicants must be able to show that they have been in operation with active programming for at least one year.
The project must take place within City of Reno city boundaries.
A 1:1 cash match of requested funds must be reflected in the project grant budget.

Project grant applications will be evaluated based on the following:

The Project: All answers in this section address artistic and cultural merit of the project.

The organization clearly describes the unique artistic components, genres, and/or creative elements of the project (event/project is clear).
The organization clearly describes goals & outcomes of the project.
The organization engages artists and program leaders who have applicable experience and cultural knowledge.
The project/program aligns with the organization’s overall mission.

The Community: Questions in this section describe the organization’s ability to identify and engage the target audience or community.

The organization understands the community it serves (geographical, cultural, economic, racial, educational relevance, etc.) and demonstrates a plan for recruiting participants from target audience and historically underserved groups.
The organization innovatively addresses an artistic/cultural need.
The organization collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve community-focused programming.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA): This section seeks to understand how your organization works to identify and address issues related to IDEA through your proposed event.

The proposal demonstrates social, educational, cultural and/or economic relevance for the community.
The organization demonstrates an effort to understand and eliminate barriers to participation, and to increase access for historically underserved communities.
The organization has a plan to meet the physical accessibility requirement.
The organization has a plan to meet the programmatic accessibility requirement.

Budget: This section will address the specific and total budget for the event or project, which includes matching and other funds outside of this grant.

The financial plan is appropriate for the size and scope of the project or programs.
The budget reflects realistic costs and evidence of artists being paid.
The budget shows a 1:1 cash match by the organization.

RESOURCES:

Applicant Grant Information Session on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026, at 2 p.m.

FUNDING:

$7,000 maximum (1:1 cash match)

TIMEFRAME:

Project grants must take place from January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027.

DEADLINE:

Applications must be received by 11:00 p.m. PT on Tuesday, September 30, 2026.

FINAL REPORTING:

Grant funds will not be dispersed until final reporting is complete. Organizations must submit a final budget for the project to show total expenses and revenues and demonstrate that the match was met. They must also fill out a final report that includes whether the project/event met the anticipated goals, outline the total number of personnel that worked on the project/event, the total number of volunteers on the project/event, an example from the project/event that strengthens the case for increased funding in the arts, and three photographs from the project.

There is an audience survey component that is required. Forms will be supplied to organizations for audience surveys. This survey gathers important data for the City of Reno to ensure equitable funding and assess and identify areas for improvement. The questions provided by the City of Reno must be used, however, organizations can add them to any other survey questions or data they collect. If this component is not met, funding will not be released.

QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE:

Please reach out to Erica Hill at HillE@Reno.Gov if you have any questions.

*If you would like assistance in Spanish, please contact staff at (775) 326-6333. *Si desea asistencia en español o para asistir a un taller de becas en español, comuníquese con el personal al (775) 326-6333.

City of Reno Arts & Culture Event Grants 2027

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City of Reno Arts & Culture Event Grants 2027

SUMMARY:

The City of Reno Arts & Culture Event Grants are awarded to nonprofit arts and culture and non-arts organizations for one-time arts & culture events. The events must be within the Reno city limits. All events must be free and open to the public. Events should be designed to attract the maximum number of people, appropriate for the event and site. Funds may be used to support community festivals, special performances, exhibitions, concerts, and other events. The funding is to support a one-time event, including weekend festivals or events that take place over the course of one week. Recurring events over a longer period do not qualify as one-time events.

Allowable event costs include personnel, artistic and production fees, space rental, travel, marketing and advertising, and other event-related expenses. Event Grants may not be used for the following: capital improvements, acquisition of equipment or property, projects which further the aims of religious organizations, fundraising, prizes, projects which involve touring outside of Reno, indirect costs, general operating costs, and scholarships or research stipends.

This is a reimbursement grant. Grant funds are not dispersed until final reporting is complete.

A competitive application will demonstrate social impact beyond a traditional audience experience, as well as a plan to reach diverse and historically underserved populations in the following ways:

The event engages participants through a variety of means.
Event times, locations, facilities, and technology are accessible to the public.
The organization understands the community it serves (geographical, cultural, economic, racial, educational relevance, etc.).
The organization collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve community-focused programming.
The event demonstrates social, educational, cultural, and/or economic relevance for the community.
The event contributes to vibrant, creative neighborhoods.

ELIGIBILITY:

Non-profit organizations or public institutions under Chapter 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or qualified educational institutions. Grants will not be awarded to individuals.
Applicants may apply for a City of Reno Project Grant as well but may only be considered for one grant depending on the amount of funding requests. Project Grant programming must be different than a grant request for an Event Grant.
Non-profit organizations or public institutions can only apply for one Event Grant.
Non-profit organizations and public institutions must have their official business address located in Reno or a surrounding neighbor community such as Sparks, Incline Village, or Truckee.
Applicants must be able to show that they have been in operation with active programming for at least one year.
The event must be free and open to the public.
The event must take place in the City of Reno boundaries.
The event is a unique one-time event over a single day, weekend, or week.
A 10% cash match of requested funds is required and must be reflected in the event grant budget.

Event Grant applications will be evaluated based on the following:

The Event: All answers in this section address the artistic and cultural merit of the event.

The organization clearly describes the unique artistic components, genres, and/or creative elements and complete details of the event.
The organization clearly describes goals & outcomes of the project.
The organization engages artists and program leaders who have applicable experience and cultural knowledge.
The project/program aligns with the organization’s overall mission.

The Community: Questions in this section describe the organization’s ability to identify and engage the target audience or community.

The organization understands the community it serves (geographical, cultural, economic, racial, educational relevance, etc.) and demonstrates a plan for recruiting participants from target audience and historically underserved groups.
The organization innovatively addresses an artistic/cultural need.
The organization collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve community-focused programming.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA): This section seeks to understand how your organization works to identify and address issues related to IDEA through your proposed event.

The proposal demonstrates social, educational, cultural and/or economic relevance for the community.
The organization demonstrates an effort to understand and eliminate barriers to participation, and to increase access for historically underserved communities.
The organization has a plan to meet the physical accessibility requirement.
The organization has a plan to meet the programmatic accessibility requirement.

Budget: This section will address the specific and total budget for the event or project, which includes matching and other funds outside of this grant.

The financial plan is appropriate for the size and scope of the project or programs.
The budget reflects realistic costs and evidence of artists being paid.
The budget shows a 10% cash match by the organization.

RESOURCES:

Applicant Grant Information Session on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026, at 2 p.m.

FUNDING:

$7,000 maximum (10% cash match)

TIMELINE:

Event grants must take place from January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027.

DEADLINE:

Applications must be received by 11:00 p.m. PT on Monday, September 30, 2026.

FINAL REPORTING:

Grant funds will not be dispersed until final reporting is complete. Organizations must submit a final budget for the project to show total expenses and revenues and demonstrate that the match was met. They must also fill out a final report that includes whether the project/event met the anticipated goals, outline the total number of personnel that worked on the event, the total number of volunteers on the event, an example from the event that strengthens the case for increased funding in the arts, and three photographs from the event.

QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE:

Please reach out to Erica Hill at HillE@Reno.Gov if you have any questions.

*If you would like assistance in Spanish, please contact staff at (775) 326-6333. *Si desea asistencia en español, comuníquese con el personal al (775) 326-6333.

2027 Reno City Artist Application

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2027 Reno City Artist Program Application

Deadline: September 30th, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. PT

Budget: $3,500

City Artist Program

The City of Reno is now seeking a visual artist to serve as the City Artist for 2027. The mission of this program is to promote visual artists living in Reno, to highlight visual art in the community, and to engage with the public through visual art. The City Artist will also have the opportunity to learn about the local government process and engage with constituents about their art. View past City Artists here.

Requirements of Candidates:

To be considered for the position of City Artist, an artist must be a Reno resident living in one of the City of Reno’s six wards within the City of Reno boundaries and be able to complete the duties listed below. This position is open to visual artists. Artists are strongly encouraged to ensure that they live in the City of Reno boundaries and can meet the important dates listed below before applying.

Position Description:

This is a one-year appointment with a stipend of $3,500. There is an additional opportunity for a potential purchase of a piece of the artist’s work, up to $3,000, to become part of the City of Reno’s Metro Art Collection. Duties include:

Exhibition of the City Artists’ original work in the Metro Gallery
Curation of an exhibition in the Metro Gallery of other regional artists’ work
Public talks at artist’s solo exhibition and curated exhibition receptions
City Council presentation/public comment thanking officials for their support and inviting to artist receptions
Provide a consultation with next year’s City Artist

General timeline of appointment:

Begins 1/2027
Solo exhibition and public talk in Metro Gallery between 1/2027 - 12/2027
Curated exhibition and public talk in Metro Gallery between 1/2027 - 12/2027
Council presentation 1/2027 - 6/2027

Metro Gallery

The Metro Gallery is in Reno City Hall and is open free to the public Monday through Friday 9 am to 4pm. Our galleries are considered public spaces where everyone has access. For this reason, what is shown in our galleries must be viewable for all ages and groups. Pieces that display nudity, drugs, sex, alcohol, tobacco, etc. will not be exhibited.

The gallery can accommodate 2D and 3D visual artworks that hang on walls or be placed on pedestals. The gallery cannot support large installations, immersive experiences, or any artwork hanging off the ceiling. Please see the Metro Gallery schematics image attached below and note that it does not show electrical boxes that cannot be covered on the walls.

Exhibition Availability:

Exhibition schedules are mapped far in advance of shows. For planning purposes, 2027 City Artist applicants must select two exhibition slots from the following three date ranges:

April 26 to May 28, 2027 (5 Weeks)
August 9 to September 17, 2027 (6 Weeks)
September 27 to November 12, 2027 (7 Weeks)

Selection Process:

The selection process will be facilitated by the Reno Arts & Culture Advisory Board (ACAB). The committee will use the criteria of past community engagement, distinguished achievements, quality of work, strength of gallery curation proposal, appropriateness of work for a public space, and ability to present and advance visual art in the public domain.

Application Process:

Please submit the following items as part of your application packet (documents should be in PDF format and images in JPG format):

Artistic resume with contact information, exhibitions and relevant experience
Work samples
Cover letter explaining interest in the position
Curated show proposal. The curated show cannot be a solo show of the artist’s own work nor include any work by the City Artist unless exception is made by City of Reno staff. The curated show cannot include work previously shown in Metro Gallery
At least one letter of recommendation, can include up to two.

Deadline:

Please submit a completed application by 11:00 pm PT on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, via Submittable. If you have any questions, please contact Erica Hill, Arts & Culture Public Art Coordinator, at 775-689-8459 or hille@reno.gov

2027 Arts & Culture Grant Panelist Application

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Grant Panelist Information and Expectations

The City of Reno Department of Arts & Culture (CoR A&C) is seeking qualified panelists for our 2027 grant programs. CoR A&C offers two annual grants with a period of support between January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027. Our annual grant programs support eligible nonprofit organizations and public institutions. Individuals are not eligible.

The Event Grant provides support for a one-time arts and culture event. The Project Grant provides support for a project, program, or series of projects and programs. Panelists will be chosen for one grant program based on their expertise. Learn more about our grant programs on our grants website. (Do to a recent website migration in June, some information is not updated).

A qualified panelist should demonstrate experience in arts and cultural administration and disciplines such as project management, event management, nonprofit management, grant management, performance arts, visual arts, and arts education.

Panelists will be offered a $400 honorarium for their time and expertise. Panelists are expected to attend one of two offered panelist orientations, score all grant applications in Submittable, and attend a virtual panel meeting (approximately 4 hours long or less). Panel meetings are not open to the public but are recorded for grantees to view. Panelists must not live or work in the Reno metropolitan area.

Grant Panelist Schedule

Wednesday, September 2nd at 11:59 p.m. PT - Panelist Applications Closes

Late September - Grant Panelist Orientation

Wednesday, September 30th - Project and Event Grant Applications Due and Portal Closes for Grantees

Wednesday, October 7th - Panelists are assigned grant applications to review

Sunday, November 1st - All reviews must be completed and scores submitted by panelists

First Week of November - Grant Panel Meeting

If you have any questions, please contact Erica Hill, Public Art Coordinator, at Hille@reno.gov

City of Reno