CALL FOR ARTISTS: Wilkinson Park Mural
Reno, Nevada
Deadline: Sunday July 26, 2026, at 11:00 p.m.
Budget: $5,000
Summary:
The City of Reno is accepting proposals from artists/artist teams for a mural project at Wilkinson Park. The City is commissioning an artist-designed and fabricated mural on the exterior walls of the restrooms at Wilkinson Park. The mural will be painted on all four sides of the building and replace the former mural at this location as part of regular maintenance and lifespan of public art. The mural should be site-specific and designed to reflect the natural and/or cultural environment of Wilkinson Park and/or the local neighborhood.
Artist Qualifications and Eligibility:
This is a local call and request for proposals. Eligible artists must reside in the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area and be aged 18 years or older. 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. Please apply with one submission. Multiple proposals from an individual artist or artist group will not be accepted, however, in the case of a group, individual artists may submit a distinct separate proposal independently. Artists and teams living and working in the Reno area who have experience implementing projects with a similar budget and scope are encouraged to apply.
Project Description:
The City of Reno Arts and Culture Advisory Board (ACAB) seeks an artist/artist team to design and paint one-of-a-kind two-dimensional artwork on the restroom building at Wilkinson Park in Reno’s Ward 3. Selected artist(s) will design and paint a mural that wraps around all four walls of the restroom building. The mural Approximate square footage to be painted is 576 square feet. Wall 1 & 3 (North and South Sides): 10’ long x 8’-10’ tall. Wall 2 & 4 (East and West Sides): 26’ long x 8’ tall. See below images.
The goals of this project include creating a unique character for a specific area of town, increasing public awareness of art, engaging with the community to create something that reflects the area, broadening viewers' perspectives of public spaces within the city, and fostering a sense of place in Reno's parks.
Artwork will be selected based on the quality of design, concept, and artist(s) ability to complete the project. The artist(s) selected should have demonstrated experience working in public locations subject to vandalism and extreme weather. Proposals should consider aesthetically pleasing use of color and form and thoughtful consideration of location and site specificity. The appropriateness and quality of proposals is determined by the Reno Arts & Culture Advisory Board (ACAB) for final artist selection. Materials, colors used, and design will be at the approval of the City of Reno. Selected artist/s are responsible for priming the walls. The City of Reno will apply a protective coating after completion.
The $5,000 commission will cover all services from design through final installation/implementation, including artist fee, fabrication, insurance, transportation, travel fees, equipment, and installation. Final selection of one artist or team will be made by the ACAB.
Location:
The mural will be painted on the restroom building at Wilkinson Park, 1201 E. Taylor St. Reno, NV. 89502. The restroom building is next to the park’s playground at the corner of E. Taylor St. and Belgrave Ave.
Wilkinson Park is a popular community park in Reno’s Ward 3 that is undergoing upgrades for the playground structure, dog park, and walking path. The park is a popular pickleball location and has a large grassy area for soccer and other recreational sports. Located near Vaughn Middle School, Libby Booth Elementary, Veterans Memorial Elementary, and the Reno VA Medical Center, the park serves a variety of ages.
Budget:
Projected budget is not to exceed $5,000 for the entire project. This budget is inclusive of all costs associated with the design, planning, materials, fabrication, installation, and completion of the project. This budget includes all travel costs and insurance.
Submission Requirements:
- Resume or list of relevant professional artistic accomplishments from past applicable projects. You must give credit to any partners or project leads on projects.
- 3-5 Digital images of relevant past artwork in JPG format.
- Image information: title, media, size, date, location, description of work
- Project Approach: Include a written design concept for the mural including information about the artists approach, inspiration, materials, and how the design connects to this site specifically. Successful applications connect the design, concept, and location with as many details as possible for the selection committee.
- Visual representation of project proposal or design.
- Imagery created solely through AI is not acceptable as work samples or proposed commissioned artworks because they are not protected by copyright.
Application materials must be submitted via Submittable by July 26, 2026, at 11:00 pm
Selection Process and Criteria:
The ACAB will select one artist/artist team for the $5,000 commission. Selection will be based on the following criteria: quality of initial concept, quality of work samples, and ability to complete the project based on previous professional artistic accomplishments. Selected artists/design team will be expected to work with the community, City staff, and stakeholders to design the final artwork.
Timeline:
July 26, 2026, at 11:00 pm - Application deadline August-September 2026 – ACAB reviews and approves artist/s and artist is notified September 2026 – Artist paints mural on Wilkinson Park restroom building For any questions related to the call, please contact Erica Hill, Public Art Coordinator, at hille@reno.gov or 775-689-8459. For questions or issues with the application form or Submittable, please contact Submittable Tech Support.
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Dorothy McAlinden Park Outdoor Sculptures
Public Art Project
Reno, Nevada
Deadline: Tuesday, July 26th at 11:00 pm PDT
Budget: $81,000
SUMMARY:
The City of Reno is accepting qualifications from artists/artist teams for an exterior public art installation at Dorothy McAlinden Park. This project will add vibrancy to the park and surrounding area. The artwork should be designed to reflect the urban and natural environment, site history, or local community while creating color and vibrancy in the park. Selected artist(s) will be expected to work with City staff for community engagement activities and artwork placement.
ARTIST QUALIFICATIONS / ELIGIBILITY:
This is a regional call and request for qualifications open to artists and artist teams living and working in the western states of Nevada, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, or Utah. 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 the western states of Nevada, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, or Utah 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 available for on-site visit to Reno
- Eligible applicants must reside in the western states of Nevada, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, or Utah
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City of Reno is seeking artist/s with prior public art experience, specifically mid-scale functional, wayfinding, or environmental sculptural work, for a unique, one-of-a-kind, exterior public art installation at Dorothy McAlinden Park.
The goals for the project include: creating a welcoming and vibrant character for Dorothy McAlinden Park, increasing public awareness of art, and broadening visitors’ perspectives of public spaces within the City. The artist(s) selected should have demonstrated experience working in public locations subject to vandalism and extreme weather.
The selection committee is looking for qualifications from artists who have experience in the design, fabrication, and installation of mid-scale sculptures in outdoor environments. Artist/s must consider Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in their final design and durable, low-maintenance materials are required.
An initial community survey showed that residents who use the park would prefer multiple smaller artworks instead of a large installation. The survey also showed preference for functional, wayfinding, and environmental sculptures. Placement of the artwork is to be determined by the artist and City staff and will be dependent on the type of artwork and its appropriateness for the specific areas of the park.
The $81,000 commission will cover all services from design through final installation/implementation, including artist fee, fabrication, insurance, transportation, travel fees, equipment, and installation. Final selection of one artist or team will be made by the McAlinden Park Public Art Task Force, Reno Arts and Culture Advisory Board, and approved by Reno City Council based on qualifications and proposals.
Selected artists/artist teams will be expected to work with the community, City staff, and stakeholders for final design and placement.
LOCATION:
Dorothy McAlinden Park on Google Maps
Dorothy McAlinden Park street view
ABOUT THE LOCATION:
Dorothy McAlinden Park is in Ward 4 and connects to Mayors Park Disc Golf Course. Dorothy McAlinden Park is a 25-acre park with a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails. Mayors Park is less developed, sits on 59 acres, and includes baseball fields, trails, and a disc golf course.
BUDGET:
Projected budget is not to exceed $81,000 for the entire project. This budget is inclusive of all costs associated with the design, planning, engineering, fabrication, installation, and completion of the project. This budget includes all travel costs and insurance including for in-person community engagement session/s.
SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA:
- The review committee will select three finalists to interview.
- The finalists will be invited to give a virtual presentation to the McAlinden Park Public Art Task Force to share more about their approach to community engagement, past experiences working with communities, and artistic process.
- Each finalist will receive an honorarium of $500 for the presentation.
- The McAlinden Park Public Art Task Force, and the Arts and Culture Advisory Board will select one artist/artist team for the $81,000 commission.
- City Council will have final approval.
Selection of a finalist will be based on the following criteria:
- Quality of letter of interest—addressing the specific project and how the artist/team will engage with the community in the process.
- Quality of past work samples and relevance of samples to current call (work of similar scope and scale).
- Ability to complete the project based on bio, previous work, and references.
Selected artists/design team will be expected to work with the community, City staff, and stakeholders to finalize the artwork.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
To be submitted via Submittable. (https://cityofrenoartscultureandevents.submittable.com/submit).
1. Resume or CV: Current professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV), detailing professional artistic accomplishments, including an artist bio. Submit information for all team members.
2. Past Work Samples: 5 images of recent previously completed relevant artwork. Include title, year completed, materials/media, client, location, budget, and description of work.
3. Letter of Interest: Address how the applicant’s previous experience and current artistic direction will result in a successful public art project for this space. Include detailed information on how you would approach this project, including any community engagement ideas, and how it will reflect the regional community and site.
Estimated Timeline:
RFQ announced: June 15, 2026
RFQ submission deadline: July 26, 11:00 pm PST
July-August 2026: Committee reviews and selects three finalists
Early September 2026: Finalist Presentations and Interviews
September 2026: Finalist artist/team selected for Project
October 2026: Council approval of artist/team selected for Project
November/December 2026: Artist/team will conduct community engagement sessions and work with staff and stakeholders to design artwork.
December 2026 – July 2027: Fabrication and installation.
All questions regarding this request for proposals are to be directed to Erica Hill, Public Art Coordinator, City of Reno at hille@reno.gov or 775-689-8459.
Summary
The Love Your Block program empowers residents and community organizations to create positive change in their neighborhoods. Through mini-grants, this initiative supports community-driven projects that make a tangible impact. Love Your Block supports a wide range of innovative projects, from public murals to neighborhood-led clean-up efforts. These projects strengthen neighborhood pride, foster connection, and help shape the vibrant community we call home. We are excited to support your vision for a better neighborhood!
PLEASE NOTE: This application is intended for projects that benefit the neighborhood or community as a whole. Applications for individual home modifications/beautification projects will not be accepted during this funding round. Those projects will be supported through a separate application process, which will launch in May and accept applications on a rolling basis. Please visit our webpage for updates and additional information.
Eligibility Criteria
• To maximize impact, Love Your Block strategically focuses on one specific area of the City of Reno at a time. This year’s mini-grant opportunity will serve properties located within Ward 1.
• Applications are open to individual residents over the age of 18, groups or community organizations. Applications may also be submitted by local business and religious organizations so long as the project improves public spaces or otherwise primarily benefits the community.
• Applications should propose a revitalization project, such as transforming vacant parking lots into greenery spaces or conducting neighborhood clean-ups. For inspiration, search “Love Your Block projects” to view examples from cities across the country. Services or other projects that do not improve physical spaces or structures cannot be funded by the program.
• Applicants do not need to own the property to apply (renters are welcome), but they must be willing to obtain permission from the owner.
• The benefits of the proposed project should extend beyond the mini-grant recipients, contributing to overall community enjoyment and neighborhood revitalization.
• Projects must offer opportunities for resident volunteers to participate and perform the revitalization tasks required. Example: roof installation cannot be funded because tasks require skilled labor; porch painting that can be performed by volunteers can be funded.
• Projects can improve public as well as private property but need to be limited to exterior areas or be outdoors.
• Project budget must not exceed an amount of $5,000 . The budget should reflect project needs only; applicants do not need to request the full amount, unless that is what the amount the project is expected to cost. Projects may be funded in full or in part by the Love Your Block program.
• Projects must be possible to accomplish within 4 weeks. Ongoing maintenance will not be provided by the city so a volunteer maintenance plan must also be considered.
Mini-Grant Requirements
• The City of Reno expects to be able to obtain or purchase all supplies for the projects. Applicants will not receive funds directly. The City, however, reserves the right to adjust the purchasing approach on a case-by-case basis.
• If funded, mini-grant recipients agree to provide all project information and documentation requested by the city, including photos and volunteer metrics.
• All funds must be used for the approved project purposes only.
• All projects must be completed and funds spent by September 30, 2026.
• Comply with all applicable city, state, and federal laws.
Support Available for Applicants
Application support is available. For assistance with the application process, please contact Dayna Torrecillas at torrecillasd@reno.gov.