Equity Expansion Grant Cycle 1
Period of Support: January 1 - April 30, 2025
Application due December 8. 2025 at 11:00PM PST
SUMMARY:
The Equity Expansion Grant is intended to provide programmatic funding to eligible organizations that provide arts, culture, and heritage services. The grant prioritizes organizations historically facing social, financial, and/or geographic barriers. The grant prioritizes projects and activities that are by and for American Indian and Alaska Native, Arab and Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific Islander, Black and African American, Hispanic and Latinx, LGBTQIA+, disabled, youth, seniors, and access-challenged communities.
La subvención de expansión de equidad (Equity Expansion Grant) tiene como objetivo proporcionar financiación programática a organizaciones elegibles que brinden servicios de arte, cultura y patrimonio. La subvención prioriza a las organizaciones que históricamente han enfrentado barreras sociales, financieras y/o geográficas. La subvención prioriza proyectos y actividades realizados por y para personas indígenas y nativos de Alaska, árabes y del Medio Oriente, asiáticos e isleños del Pacífico, comunidades con orígenes africanos y afroamericanos, hispanos y latinos, LGBTQIA+, con capacidades especiales, jóvenes, adultos mayores y comunidades con desafíos de acceso. Si desea asistencia o más información en español, comuníquese con el personal al bernerm@reno.gov.
Grant Amount
- Up to $4,000
Applicant Eligibility
- Applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations based in Reno. This includes colleges, universities, public schools, libraries, and federally recognized tribes.
- Organizations that do not have 501(c)3 status may use a fiscal sponsor. Organizations are eligible to apply for and receive funding through a fiscal sponsor for a limit of 3 years.
- The applicant organization must have at least one year of operating history in Reno.
- Organizations cannot apply for multiple Arts & Culture Grants for the same project. Each application must be distinctly unique. For example, if you are applying for an Arts & Culture Project Grant, your application for an Equity Expansion Grant must be for a different project with no overlap.
Funding may be used for:
- Education Programming (including demonstrations, lectures, and workshops)
- Entertainment Programming (including performances, events, festivals, and traditions)
- Public Art Programming (including exhibitions, materials, and artist fees)
Funding may not be used for:
- Hospitality Expenses (including food, beverages)
- Operating Expenses (including staff salary, rent, office equipment, or repairs)
- Competition Expenses (including scholarships, prizes, or grants)
- Activities with implicit religious content
Requirements
- Programming must be advertised, free, and accessible to the public.
- Programming must support and benefit underserved communities.
- Programming must occur within the City of Reno between January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
- Applicants will be responsible for securing any appropriate public exhibition space and any permission or permits required regarding their proposal.
Submission
- Applicants must submit applications via Submittable according to the following deadlines:
- Deadline to apply for programming taking place between January 1 - April 30, 2025, is December 8, 2024.
- Deadline to apply for programming taking place between May 1 - August 30, 2025, is March 31, 2025.
- Deadline to apply for programming taking place between September 1 - December 31, 2025 is July 31, 2025.
Please note, organizations are only eligible to receive one Equity Expansion Grant per calendar year. If you apply and are denied, you can apply for a future date.
- Awardees will be required to submit a final report that includes a narrative of activities carried out, attendance/participation numbers, number of artists paid, and images of the activities carried out. The City of Reno also requires audience/participant surveys to be completed. Survey questions will be provided by the City upon award of grants.
Questions: Christian Davies Arts + Culture Program Assistant, daviesc@reno.gov
If you would like assistance in Spanish, please contact staff at bernerm@reno.gov.*
*Si desea asistencia en español, comuníquese con el personal al bernerm@reno.gov.
CALL FOR ARTISTS - Lighted Art and Tech Festival - Temporary Outdoor Installations
Deadline: Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 11:00 pm PST
Budget: $30,000 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 Reno Lighted Art & Tech Festival. The Reno Lighted Art & Tech Festival will be 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 City of Reno’s Lighted Art & Tech Festival taking place February 20 – 23, 2025. 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.
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 City of Reno’s Lighted Art & Tech Festival in February of 2025. Projects must incorporate lighted elements and/or illumination. The selection committee is looking for proposals of temporary public art installation including sculptures or 3D works (works can be either stationed on the ground and/or suspended) or digital projections/projection mapping to install at multiple locations. The use of bright colors and bright lights that standout 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. We are looking for all types of lighted art, including light shows, projection mapping, light shows, projection mapping, or other installation types. 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 Public Art Committee, Reno Arts and Culture Commission, 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 Lighted Art & Tech Festival are City Plaza, West Street Plaza, Locomotion Plaza, Virginia Street, and the Riverwalk between City Plaza and West Street Plaza.
ABOUT THE RENO LIGHTED ART & TECH FESTIVAL:
The Reno Lighted Art and Tech Festival aims to electrify downtown Reno with a vibrant and immersive art experience, free and open to all. Over four magical days, we will transform four city plazas into dynamic hubs of community and creativity, inviting Renoites and visitors alike to gather and celebrate innovation and culture like never before in the Biggest Little City! Through large-scale projection mapping, media light displays, interactive light sculptures, performance art, and more, featuring local, national, and international artists, we aim to create an unforgettable public art event that fosters connection, inspiration, and a sense of wonder in the heart of Downtown Reno.
The festival will consist of 10-15 large-scale immersive art installations, 3 stages full of performances, art cars, and a lighted bike night.
BUDGET:
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.
SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA:
The Public Art Committee, with input from stakeholders, and the RACC will 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 description of the artwork, materials used, installation and electrical needs (including any equipment needed for install), 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:
RFP announced: Monday, October 28, 2024
RFP submission deadline: Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 11:00 pm PST
Mid-December 2024: Committee review and selection of artists
Mid-December 2024: Selected artists notified
February 20-23, 2025, Lighted Art & Tech Festival
All questions regarding this request for proposals are to be directed to Erica Hill, Arts & Culture Program Assistant, City of Reno at hille@reno.gov or 775-689-8459.
CALL FOR ARTISTS - West Street Plaza Murals - Public Art Project
Deadline: Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 11:00 pm PST
Budget: $10,000
SUMMARY:
The City of Reno is accepting proposals from artists/artist teams for a mural project at West Street Plaza. The City has allocated funding for a series of artist-designed and fabricated murals located at West Street Plaza along the Truckee River. The murals will be painted around the 6 concrete light pole bases around the north side of the plaza as well as the wall to the southeast along the steps into the river. The murals should be designed to reflect the urban and natural environment and create color and vibrancy in the space.
ARTIST QUALIFICATIONS / ELIGIBILITY:
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 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
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City of Reno is seeking artists for an exterior mural opportunity at West Street Plaza along the Truckee River riverwalk. The murals will be painted around the concrete base of 6 light poles places around the north side of the plaza as well as a mural on the wall along the entry steps into the river along the southeast side of the plaza.
The goals for the 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, 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 City seeks artists with prior public art experience, specifically exterior mural fabrication in public places. The $10,000 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 Public Art Committee, Reno Arts and Culture Commission (RACC), and stakeholders based on qualifications and proposal.
Selected artists/artist teams/design team will be expected to work with City staff and stakeholders to design the final artwork.
Approximate square footage to be painted:
- Wall Plaza Side: 30’ long x 3’-6” tall = 105 sf
- Wall River Side: 32’ long x ~6’ tall = 192 sf
- Light Poles: ~15sf max per side (4 sides) – 60sf/pole. 6 poles total
LOCATION:
ABOUT THE LOCATION:
West Street Plaza is located in downtown Reno along the Truckee River, adjacent to Wingfield Park. The Riverwalk passes through the plaza, which is next to a local cafe, tap house, and other retails businesses. The area is very active in the summer with festivals, concerts, and other events.
BUDGET:
This budget is inclusive of all costs associated with the design, planning, fabrication, installation, and completion of the project. This budget includes all travel costs and insurance.
SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA:
The Public Art Committee, with input from stakeholders, and the RACC will select one artist/artist team for the $10,000 commission.
Selection of a finalist will be based on the following criteria:
- Quality of letter of interest.
- Quality of work samples.
- Quality of initial concept.
- 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 design the final 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 bio and artist address, email, and phone number. Submit information for all team members.
- Work Samples: 5-10 images of recent previously completed 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 and how it will reflect the regional community.
Estimated timeline:
RFP announced: October 28, 2024
RFP submission deadline: December 1, 2024 11:00 pm PST
December 2024: Committee review and selection of finalist artist/team for project
January 2025: Artist/team will work with staff and stakeholders to finalize designs for artwork.
April - May 2025: Mural painting and completion.
All questions regarding this request for proposals are to be directed to Erica Hill, Arts & Culture Program Assistant, City of Reno at hille@reno.gov or 775-689-8459.
Program Overview:
The City of Reno's Activation Pilot Program is an initiative aimed at revitalizing downtown Reno through a new partnership program with third-party event promoters. Our vision is to transform parks and plazas into vibrant urban hubs that inspire engagement, enrich communities, and foster a stronger sense of unity among both locals and visitors. This program seeks to create a dynamic environment with diverse experiences, breathing new life into vacant and underutilized spaces and catalyzing economic development.
Mission:
Our mission is to infuse downtown Reno with a variety of vibrant events and programming, creating a dynamic, inclusive urban environment that fuels economic growth, enhances cultural identity, and solidifies Reno's position as a vibrant, forward-thinking city.
Key Objectives:
- Transform downtown parks and plazas into vibrant, dynamic hubs.
- Enrich the lives of the local community and visitors through diverse experiences.
- Inspire new events and activities in the Downtown Core.
- Foster a stronger sense of community and pride in downtown spaces.
- Catalyze economic development by attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.
Vision:
We envision a calendar filled with concerts, art exhibitions, food festivals, cultural celebrations, and more. These events will entertain, educate, and appeal to diverse audiences, creating lasting memories and bringing people together.
Eligibility Requirements for Third Party Promoters:
To participate in the Activation Pilot Program, third-party event promoters must meet the following criteria:
- Prior Event Production Experience: Demonstrated experience in event production.
- Engaged Social Media Audiences: Robust social media presence and effective marketing strategy.
- Day of Coordinator Role: Serve as the day-of coordinator for selected pilot events.
- Attendance at Planning Meetings: Attend all required City of Reno planning meetings leading up to and following events.
- Priority Location: Events must be held in West Street Plaza in Downtown Reno.
- New Events Only: the pilot program is available for new events only. Preference will be awarded to events with recurring or multi-date events.
- Free and Open to the Public: Events must be free and accessible to the public.
- Coordination of Vendors: Coordinate all event vendors in partnership with the Activation Coordinator.
- Budgets: All budgets must be approved by the Activation Coordinator and the City of Reno reserves the right to adjust as they deem fit to meet the needs of the program.
- Frequency: Eligible activations must be recurring weekly events that run for a minimum of 13 weeks consecutively.
Benefits for Third Party Promoters:
- Financial Support: Receive funding for approved events to support operating expenses such as porta potties, waste management, rentals, etc.
- Community Engagement: Connect with the local community and build lasting relationships.
- City Collaboration: Work closely with the City of Reno to coordinate and plan events.
- Visibility: Showcase events in priority downtown locations to maximize visibility.
- Economic Impact: Contribute to the economic growth of downtown Reno.
Budget:
- Selected recipients will be eligible for funding awards for approved special events that meet all requirements. Amounts will vary based on number of applications received, available space and activation needs.
- Please note that eligible activations are eligible to apply for up to TWO seasons of event support through this program. Beginning in year three, the event will no longer be eligible for this program.
Estimated Timeline:
- Applications open October 1st, 2024
- Applications close October 21st, 2024
- Selected pilot partners will be notified by November 1st, 2024
- All activations for this cycle must take place between June 1st, 2025-December 31st, 2025
By participating in the City of Reno Activation Pilot Program, third-party event promoters contribute to the transformation of downtown spaces, creating a vibrant and thriving urban environment for all to enjoy. Together, we can build a stronger sense of community, foster economic development, and make downtown Reno a dynamic destination for residents and visitors alike.
Program Overview:
The City of Reno's Activation Pilot Program is an initiative aimed at revitalizing downtown Reno through a new partnership program with third-party event promoters. Our vision is to transform parks and plazas into vibrant urban hubs that inspire engagement, enrich communities, and foster a stronger sense of unity among both locals and visitors. This program seeks to create a dynamic environment with diverse experiences, breathing new life into vacant and underutilized spaces and catalyzing economic development.
Mission:
Our mission is to infuse downtown Reno with a variety of vibrant events and programming, creating a dynamic, inclusive urban environment that fuels economic growth, enhances cultural identity, and solidifies Reno's position as a vibrant, forward-thinking city.
Key Objectives:
- Transform downtown parks and plazas into vibrant, dynamic hubs.
- Enrich the lives of the local community and visitors through diverse experiences.
- Inspire new events and activities in the Downtown Core.
- Foster a stronger sense of community and pride in downtown spaces.
- Catalyze economic development by attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.
Vision:
We envision a calendar filled with concerts, art exhibitions, food festivals, cultural celebrations, and more. These events will entertain, educate, and appeal to diverse audiences, creating lasting memories and bringing people together.
Eligibility Requirements for Third Party Promoters:
To participate in the Activation Pilot Program, third-party event promoters must meet the following criteria:
- Prior Event Production Experience: Demonstrated experience in event production.
- Engaged Social Media Audiences: Robust social media presence and effective marketing strategy.
- Day of Coordinator Role: Serve as the day-of coordinator for selected pilot events.
- Attendance at Planning Meetings: Attend all required City of Reno planning meetings leading up to and following events.
- Priority Location: Events must be held in Locomotion Plaza in Downtown Reno.
- New Events Only: the pilot program is available for new events only. Preference will be awarded to events with recurring or multi-date events.
- Free and Open to the Public: Events must be free and accessible to the public.
- Coordination of Vendors: Coordinate all event vendors in partnership with the Activation Coordinator.
- Budgets: All budgets must be approved by the Activation Coordinator and the City of Reno reserves the right to adjust as they deem fit to meet the needs of the program.
- Frequency: Eligible activations must be recurring monthly events that run for a minimum of 3 months.
Benefits for Third Party Promoters:
- Financial Support: Receive funding for approved events to support operating expenses such as porta potties, waste management, rentals, etc.
- Community Engagement: Connect with the local community and build lasting relationships.
- City Collaboration: Work closely with the City of Reno to coordinate and plan events.
- Visibility: Showcase events in priority downtown locations to maximize visibility.
- Economic Impact: Contribute to the economic growth of downtown Reno.
Budget:
- Selected recipients will be eligible for funding awards for approved special events that meet all requirements. Amounts will vary based on number of applications received, available space and activation needs.
- Please note that eligible activations are eligible to apply for up to TWO seasons of event support through this program. Beginning in year three, the event will no longer be eligible for this program.
Estimated Timeline:
- Applications open October 1st, 2024
- Applications close October 21st, 2024
- Selected pilot partners will be notified by November 1st, 2024
- All activations for this cycle must take place between June 1st, 2025-December 31st, 2025
By participating in the City of Reno Activation Pilot Program, third-party event promoters contribute to the transformation of downtown spaces, creating a vibrant and thriving urban environment for all to enjoy. Together, we can build a stronger sense of community, foster economic development, and make downtown Reno a dynamic destination for residents and visitors alike.
Program Overview:
The City of Reno's Activation Pilot Program is an initiative aimed at revitalizing downtown Reno through a new partnership program with third-party event promoters. Our vision is to transform parks and plazas into vibrant urban hubs that inspire engagement, enrich communities, and foster a stronger sense of unity among both locals and visitors. This program seeks to create a dynamic environment with diverse experiences, breathing new life into vacant and underutilized spaces and catalyzing economic development.
Mission:
Our mission is to infuse downtown Reno with a variety of vibrant events and programming, creating a dynamic, inclusive urban environment that fuels economic growth, enhances cultural identity, and solidifies Reno's position as a vibrant, forward-thinking city.
Key Objectives:
- Transform downtown parks and plazas into vibrant, dynamic hubs.
- Enrich the lives of the local community and visitors through diverse experiences.
- Inspire new events and activities in the Downtown Core.
- Foster a stronger sense of community and pride in downtown spaces.
- Catalyze economic development by attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.
Vision:
We envision a calendar filled with concerts, art exhibitions, food festivals, cultural celebrations, and more. These events will entertain, educate, and appeal to diverse audiences, creating lasting memories and bringing people together.
Eligibility Requirements for Third Party Promoters:
To participate in the Activation Pilot Program, third-party event promoters must meet the following criteria:
- Prior Event Production Experience: Demonstrated experience in event production.
- Engaged Social Media Audiences: Robust social media presence and effective marketing strategy.
- Day of Coordinator Role: Serve as the day-of coordinator for selected pilot events.
- Attendance at Planning Meetings: Attend all required City of Reno planning meetings leading up to and following events.
- Priority Location: Events must be held in Locomotion Plaza in Downtown Reno.
- New Events Only: the pilot program is available for new events only. Preference will be awarded to events with recurring or multi-date events.
- Free and Open to the Public: Events must be free and accessible to the public.
- Coordination of Vendors: Coordinate all event vendors in partnership with the Activation Coordinator.
- Budgets: All budgets must be approved by the Activation Coordinator and the City of Reno reserves the right to adjust as they deem fit to meet the needs of the program.
- Frequency: Eligible activations must be recurring weekly events that run for a minimum of 13 weeks consecutively.
Benefits for Third Party Promoters:
- Financial Support: Receive funding for approved events to support operating expenses such as porta potties, waste management, rentals, etc.
- Community Engagement: Connect with the local community and build lasting relationships.
- City Collaboration: Work closely with the City of Reno to coordinate and plan events.
- Visibility: Showcase events in priority downtown locations to maximize visibility.
- Economic Impact: Contribute to the economic growth of downtown Reno.
Budget:
- Selected recipients will be eligible for funding awards for approved special events that meet all requirements. Amounts will vary based on number of applications received, available space and activation needs.
- Please note that eligible activations are eligible to apply for up to TWO seasons of event support through this program. Beginning in year three, the event will no longer be eligible for this program.
Estimated Timeline:
- Applications open October 1st, 2024
- Applications close October 21st, 2024
- Selected pilot partners will be notified by November 1st, 2024
- All activations for this cycle must take place between June 1st, 2025-December 31st, 2025
By participating in the City of Reno Activation Pilot Program, third-party event promoters contribute to the transformation of downtown spaces, creating a vibrant and thriving urban environment for all to enjoy. Together, we can build a stronger sense of community, foster economic development, and make downtown Reno a dynamic destination for residents and visitors alike.