Summary
The Reno Redevelopment Agency (RDA) is soliciting proposals for capital improvement projects located within Redevelopment Areas 1 and 2. This application serves as the formal intake process for projects seeking RDA funding or participation.
The RDA invites capital improvement project proposals that advance adopted plans, support redevelopment objectives, and deliver measurable public benefit.
Submitted proposals will be evaluated to inform capital planning, funding prioritization, and coordination across departments and partner agencies. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
Selection Criteria
Projects will be reviewed by RDA staff and advisory bodies based on, but not limited to:
- Alignment with adopted plans and redevelopment goals
- Project readiness and feasibility
- Public benefit and community impact
- Leveraged funding and partnerships
- Long-term maintenance and operational responsibility
Supporting materials, such as concept plans, cost estimates, funding documentation, and letters of support, are encouraged to facilitate a thorough review.
Applications will be accepted through close of business, February 6, 2026.
For questions regarding this application, please email Redevelopment@reno.gov
Summary:
The City of Reno is accepting proposals from artists/artist teams for a mural project at Idlewild Park. The City is commissioning an artist-designed and fabricated mural for a large backflow box next to the pond at Idlewild Park. The mural will be painted on four sides of the large box. The mural should be site-specific and designed to reflect the natural and/or cultural environment of Idlewild Park.
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. In the case of a group, please apply with one single application. 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 seeks an artist/artist team to design and paint artwork on the new backflow box at Idlewild Park. The box is located next to the pond at the intersection of Idlewild Dr. and Cowan Dr. across from Snowflake Pavilion. Selected artist(s) will design and execute one-of-a-kind two-dimensional images that wrap around all sides of the box. The box is approximately 245 square feet in total. See below images for full dimensions.
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. Large areas of black and/or dark colors are not allowed due to the risk of overheating the box. 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.
Location:
The mural will be painted on a large electrical box next to the pond at Idlewild Park at the intersection of Idlewild Dr. and Cowan Dr. across from Snowflake Pavilion. Idlewild Park is a popular 49-acre community park along the Truckee River that includes a rose garden, duck ponds, two children's parks, a pool, and a skate park. This location is used year-round for recreation and community events such as the weekly Farmers Market, summer-time Food Truck Friday, and annual Earth Day celebration.
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 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 March 1, 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:
March 1, 2026, at 11:00 pm - Application deadline
April 2026 – ACAB reviews and approves artist/s and artist is notified
May 2026 – Artist paints mural on backflow box
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.