About the West 4th Street Roundabout Task Force
The West 4th Street Roundabout Public Art Task Force will be an ad-hoc subcommittee of the Arts & Culture Advisory Board (ACAB), a citizen body appointed by Reno City Council, created to guide a new public art project at a the soon-to-be constructed roundabout on West 4th Street and Summit Ridge Drive. Task Force members must be 18 years old and live in the City of Reno's city boundaries.
Serving on the West 4th Street Roundabout Public Art Task Force is a volunteer role. Task Force members are expected to attend up to (3) three public meetings to review and make recommendations for the West 4th Street Call for Artists (project guidelines and requirements), independently review artist applications through the City of Reno Submittable account, and make recommendations for artist selection. All meetings are hybrid and scheduled to work for Task Force members. As much as possible, Task Force members are also asked to take an active role in the community engagement process through outreach to community members and guidance on engagement activities. The Task Force will be active approximately from late July through Fall of 2026.
It is recommended that applicants review the 2025 Reno Public Art Master Plan Update to learn more about the task force model and other visions for City of Reno public art programs.
The West 4th Street Roundabout Sculpture Project
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County is working on a street project on West 4th Street. The focus of this project is to provide safety improvements to 4th Street between McCarran Boulevard and Keystone Avenue. Improvements include roundabouts at Stoker Avenue and Summit Ridge Drive, lane reductions, a multi-use path, and pavement rehabilitation.
Arts & Culture Staff worked with Public Works Staff on the placement for the artwork. It was determined that only the soon-to-be constructed roundabout at Summit Ridge Drive would be able to support artwork due to the Stoker Avenue roundabout being above sewer and needing access to vehicles and equipment within the roundabout for maintenance. The Summit Ridge Drive roundabout will have three footings constructed into it as part of RTC’s project that the City can program with public art. These footings can accommodate three smaller sculptures or one monumental piece. Approximately $200,000 is allocated from rollover Public Art and Arts & Culture funds for this project.
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.
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Cyan Park Outdoor Sculptures
Reno, Nevada
Deadline: Tuesday, June 30th at 11:00 pm PDT
Budget: $97,000
SUMMARY:
The City of Reno is accepting qualifications from artists/artist teams for an exterior public art installation at Cyan 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, 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, 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, Utah
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City of Reno is seeking artist/s with prior public art experience, specifically mid-scale functional or way-finding sculptural work, for a unique, one-of-a-kind, exterior public art installation at Cyan Park. is looking for artists.
The goals for the project include: creating a welcoming and vibrant character for Cyan 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 or interactive sculpture (56% of responders). 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 $97,000 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 Cyan 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:
North Side of Park, street view
South Side of Park, street view
ABOUT THE LOCATION:
Cyan Park is in Ward 6 on a portion of the former Bella Vista Ranch. It is a 14-acre park with a playground, picnic shelter, soccer fields, tennis court, basketball court, dog park, and water play toys. Cyan Park is the largest City park in Ward 6.
BUDGET:
Projected budget is not to exceed $97,000 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 Cyan 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 Cyan Park Public Art Task Force, and the Arts and Culture Advisory Board will select one artist/artist team for the $97,000 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).
- Resume or CV: Current professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV), detailing professional artistic accomplishments, including an artist bio. Submit information for all team members.
- Past Work Samples: 5 images of recent previously completed relevant artwork. Include title, year completed, materials/media, client, location, budget, and description of work.
- 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: May 26, 2026
RFQ submission deadline: June 30, 11:00 pm PST
July 2026: Committee reviews and selects three finalists
Early August 2026: Finalist Presentations and Interviews
August 2026: Finalist artist/team selected for Project
September 2026: Council approval of artist/team selected for Project
October/November 2026: Artist/team will conduct community engagement sessions and work with staff and stakeholders to design artwork.
November 2026 – June 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.
Small Walls
Program Overview
Small Walls is a program that partners local artists with businesses and property owners to paint murals or create artwork on private property that is public facing. The current initiative is a partnership between the City of Reno Arts & Culture Division and the Reno Redevelopment Agency (RDA).This program is funded by the RDA and is designed to enliven downtown and surrounding districts within Redevelopment Areas 1 and 2. Spaces for murals and facade artwork should be approximately 750 to 1000 square feet (75 ft x 10 ft, for example). Larger scale murals or facade artwork may be considered, however, due to budget constraints and goals of the program, smaller walls are ideal.
Businesses are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in matching funds. Businesses are required to work with a local artist from a prequalified list supplied by the City. If you are awarded a grant, we will work with you to find an artist on the list that matches the scale and medium of the project application. Projects funded through this program must remain in place and be maintained for a minimum of two years.
This program supports the goals of the Reno Redevelopment Agency and the new Public Art Master Plan, including:
- Enhancing walkability and improving the visual character of priority corridors
- Activating storefronts to reduce blight and encourage pedestrian activity
- Reducing barriers to entry for emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Supporting local artists and providing next-level opportunities
- Bringing creative placemaking to priority areas of the city
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, properties must be located within the official boundaries of Redevelopment Area 1 or Area 2 (Map). The applicant may be either a property owner or a tenant with a valid lease or intent to lease, provided both parties submit written acknowledgement and consent.
Eligible commercial uses include:
- Retail shops
- Food and beverage establishments (cafes, restaurants, and bars)
- Personal and professional services (barber shops, salons, studios)
- Fitness and wellness facilities
- Experiential concepts and creative spaces (art, coworking, games)
- Residential and office spaces
Ineligible properties and uses include:
- Businesses selling primarily tobacco or marijuana, packaged alcohol, firearms, or adult-themed content
Eligible projects include:
- Murals
- Sculptural artwork attached to a facade (metal cut-outs, screening, etc.)
- Window treatments (vinyl wraps, etc.)
Program Funding Structure
Small Walls offers 50% matching reimbursement grants for awarded projects, up to $10,000.
Please note that this is a reimbursement-based grant. All project costs must be incurred and paid upfront by the awardee. Funds will be reimbursed upon verified project completion and proof of payment.
Funding is based on budget availability. Projects will be reviewed on a competitive basis. Applying does not guarantee funding. Only one application per business allowed.
Sculptural work must be permitted per City of Reno building codes. Sculptural work may require engineering and structural support (footings, etc.). Artwork cannot function as signage and cannot include any logos or imagery related to the business, otherwise, it will be considered a sign and not eligible for funding.
One mural/project per building per funding round.
Application Process
The City will announce a call for applications through its official website, local media, and community outreach channels.
Interested property owners or business tenants must submit a completed application form through the City’s Submittable portal. The application must include project location and proposed space, proposed budget, timeline, and general proposal for artwork (it is not necessary to have a design prepared as business owners will work with an artist to finalize artwork).
Applications are being accepted on a rolling deadline. Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis and accepted until funds are expended.
Application Materials
- Complete application form.
- Proof of parcel ownership and/or applicant (tenant) lease agreement.
- Signed letter acknowledging both property owner(s) and tenant agree to improvements.
- Photos of proposed project space.
- Short project proposal, not including artwork design.
- Project total cost—including match and grant request for matching funds.
Evaluation Criteria
A selection committee will evaluate the applications based on the criteria below:
Public Visibility & Placemaking Impact (25 pts)
- Visibility from public right-of-way (pedestrian + vehicular)
- Contribution to street vibrancy, safety, and identity
- Proximity to gateways, plazas, transit, or key corridors
Location & Context (25 pts)
- Street-level activation (primary frontage gets priority)
- Relationship to surrounding uses (retail, plazas, river, housing)
- Contribution to underserved or transitioning areas
Feasibility & Readiness (25 pts)
- Property owner consent and wall condition verified
- Realistic budget and match secured
- Permitting and access plan identified
Community Alignment & Longevity (25 pts)
- Durability and maintenance plan (2+ year expectation)
- Compatibility with adopted plan, branding, or district identity
- Cultural relevance or local storytelling
Reimbursement Requirements
Selected projects will enter into a grant agreement with the City, outlining the terms and conditions of the funding.
All projects must be in compliance with all zoning and building code requirements.
Mural must start within 60 days of award.
Must be completed within 180 days.
Proof of payment to artist required for reimbursement.
Acknowledgement to the City of Reno Arts and Culture Division and the Reno Redevelopment Agency in any media and marketing opportunities.