Summary
We are bringing public art to McAlinden Park!
The McAlinden Park 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 public art project at Dorothy McAlinden and Mayors Park. The Task Force will make recommendations for project guidelines, requests for qualifications from artists, artist selection, and community engagement. The Task Force will be active approximately from late May through Fall of 2026.
The ACAB is looking for applicants who are 18 years or older and live in the City of Reno boundaries to serve on the McAlinden Park Art Task Force. Residents from Ward 4 are especially encouraged to apply.
McAlinden Park Public Art Task Force
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.
Funding for public art at McAlinden Park comes from the City of Reno's 2% for Art Ordinance which requires that 2% of the cost of eligible municipal capital improvement projects (buildings and parks) be set aside for public art. The Reno City Council’s strategic priorities include creating vibrant neighborhoods and public places by prioritizing public arts and culture. The new 2025 Public Art Master Plan created a Task Force model to broaden public input for public art projects and increase citizen participation in projects. Task force members are a diverse mix of community members selected for their expertise and/or connection to the area or subject of new public art commissions. Task force members assist in guiding the public art process from start to finish of a project, deepening community participation and artistic excellence in Reno.
Task Force Eligibility and Role Responsibilities
The McAlinden Park Public Art Task Force is a completely volunteer role. McAlinden Park Public Art Task Force members may not apply for McAlinden Park public art projects. Task Force members must be 18 years old and live in the City of Reno's city boundaries. Priority will be given to members of the public living in Ward 4 or those who frequently use McAlinden Park. Task Force members are expected to attend up to (5) five public meetings to review and make recommendations for the McAlinden Park Call for Artists (project guidelines and requirements) and review applications and make recommendations for artist selection. Task Force members are also expected to be involved in the community engagement process through outreach to community members and guidance on engagement activities. The Task Force will be active approximately from late May through Fall of 2026. It is recommended that applicants review the 2025 Reno Public Art Master Plan Update.
Task Force Applications are due on Sunday, May 3rd at 11pm via Submittable.
Call for Artists: East Truckee River Path Public Art
Reno, Nevada
Deadline: April 30, 2026, at 11:00 pm PT
Summary:
The City of Reno is seeking artists or artist teams to create site-specific public artworks along the Truckee River Path in east Reno. These projects emphasize durability, low maintenance, and strong visual identity while celebrating the Truckee River’s ecology, habitat, and cultural significance. There are five different opportunities ranging from design work to mural and sculptural projects.
- Opportunity #1: Lake Street Inlaid Graphic (design only)
- Opportunity #2: Railing Art Addition (sculptural)
- Opportunity #3: Functional Art (sculptural)
- Opportunities #4 & #5: Bridge Underpasses at 2nd Street and Kuenzli Street (wall-based artwork)
East Truckee River Path is a trail enhancement project that runs from Lake Street to Park Street along the existing path on the south side of the Truckee River. Dig Studio, a landscape architecture and planning firm, is the lead consultant taking the project from conceptual design through permitted construction drawings. The project is currently in the Construction Document phase. Dig Studio is coordinating all design and implementation efforts for this trail corridor, including the integration of public art along the route.
Artist Qualifications and Eligibility:
This is a local call and request for proposals. Eligible artists must reside within 50 miles of Reno, in a community, city, or town located along the Truckee River corridor (from Tahoe City to Pyramid Lake) 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. Artists and teams living and working in the eligible area who have experience implementing projects with a similar budget and scope are encouraged to apply.
Project Description:
Opportunity #1: Lake Street Inlaid Graphic
Location: Lake Street node along the Truckee River Path, east side of Lake Street near the entry to the patio at the National Automobile Museum.
Project Scope: Design a horizontal, inlaid graphic to be integrated into the paved walking surface. Fabrication and installation will be completed by Dig Studio and the selected contractor. The artwork should establish a strong sense of place and arrival at this key node along the Truckee River Path. The selected design will be coordinated by Dig Studio for implementation using either a sandblasted concrete treatment or a fabricated metal inlay set within the concrete. Artist recommendations regarding materials, techniques, and detailing will be considered, provided they meet durability, safety, and maintenance requirements. See complete guidelines PDF for more details.
Size: Approximately 170 square feet
Type of Art: Graphic / Design
Theme: Preferred themes relate to the Truckee River, including but not limited to:
- Ecology, hydrology, and habitat
- Indigenous communities and cultural heritage
- History of the corridor and local community connections
- Natural patterns inspired by the river
- Truckee River recreational activity
- Watershed education
Artists are encouraged to interpret these ideas creatively, using abstraction, narrative, or immersive approaches, while remaining sensitive to the site and context.
Budget: $3,000 (for design only)
Opportunity #2 Railing Art Addition
Location: South side of the Truckee River, from Lake Street to Museum Drive, along the Truckee River Path.
Project Scope: Design and fabricate vertical artwork that attaches to an existing or newly installed railing/guardrail system. The artwork will run along a portion of the trail and should create a cohesive visual rhythm while remaining safe and functional. See complete guidelines PDF for images and details.
Size: Maximum 700 linear feet
Workable area ~36” vertical height by 700 linear feet long. In order to meet budget, art should be located at key areas versus the entire length. Artist to provide estimated size of art within their proposal to meet the budget.
Type of Art: Sculptural / Relief. TBD by artist.
Theme: Preferred themes relate to the Truckee River, including but not limited to:
- Ecology, hydrology, and habitat
- Indigenous communities and cultural heritage
- History of the corridor and local community connections
- Natural patterns inspired by the river
- Truckee River recreational activity
- Watershed education
Artists are encouraged to interpret these ideas creatively, using abstraction, narrative, or immersive approaches, while remaining sensitive to the site and context.
Budget: $37,000
Opportunity #3: Functional Art
Location: Museum Drive at the Truckee River; a highly visible terminus of Museum Drive and key entry point to the Truckee River Path.
Project Scope: Design and fabricate a functional art piece that serves as seating and a welcoming landmark for trail users. The space will function as a gathering area, meeting point, and pause location along the trail. See complete guidelines PDF for more details.
Size: Exact size to be determined by artist. Space available is approximately 500 square feet.
Type of Art: Functional art with integrated seating. Art should be designed to maintain an open, transparent character that ensures safety and clear visibility for all path users.
Theme: Preferred themes relate to the Truckee River, including but not limited to:
- Ecology, hydrology, and habitat
- Indigenous communities and cultural heritage
- History of the corridor and local community connections
- Natural patterns inspired by the river
- Truckee River recreational activity
- Watershed education
Artists are encouraged to interpret these ideas creatively, using abstraction, narrative, or immersive approaches, while remaining sensitive to the site and context.
Budget: $20,000
Opportunities #4 & #5: Bridge Underpasses
Location: Bridge underpass and abutment walls on the south side of the Truckee River at 2nd Street and Kuenzli Street, along the Truckee River Path.
Project Scope: Design and installation of two (2) site-specific artworks located on the bridge underpass walls and abutment walls. The goal of this project is to transform the underpass into a welcoming, visually engaging experience that draws people comfortably through the space and encourages continued movement along the trail corridor.
Size: See complete guidelines PDF for details.
Type of Art: Wall-based artwork, examples include but are not limited to:
- Murals
- Panelized art systems
- Integrated lighting elements
- Other durable treatments that can be securely attached to underpass abutment walls
Design Intent:
- Enhance safety and comfort through visual interest and brightness
- Create a sense of continuity and momentum along the trail
- Elevate what is typically a utilitarian space into a memorable trail moment
Design Requirements:
- Vandal-resistant materials and finishes
- Highly durable and suitable for exterior, urban conditions
- Designed for low maintenance and long-term performance
- Anything attaching to the abutment must be lightweight and not climbable
Theme: Preferred themes relate to the Truckee River, including but not limited to:
- Ecology, hydrology, and habitat
- Indigenous communities and cultural heritage
- History of the corridor and local community connections
- Natural patterns inspired by the river
- Truckee River recreational activity
- Watershed education
Artists are encouraged to interpret these ideas creatively, using abstraction, narrative, or immersive approaches, while remaining sensitive to the site and context.
Budget: $10,000 each
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 brief written design concept for each opportunity you are applying for, including information about the approach, inspiration, materials, and how the design connects to this site specifically. We are only asking for initial designs at this time and, once selected, will work with artist to refine and finalize proposals.
- Visual representation of project proposal or design. This can be a quick sketch. We are only asking for initial designs at this time and, once selected, will work with artists to refine and finalize proposals.
- 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 April 30, 2026 at 11:00 pm PT.
Selection Process and Criteria
The review committee will select one artist/artist team for each opportunity. 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 City staff and stakeholders to design the final artwork.
Timeline
April 30, 2026, at 11:00 pm: Application deadline May 2026: Committee reviews and approves artists and artists are notified June 2026: Designs finalized for Opportunity #1 – Lake Street Inlaid Graphic
August 2026: Designs finalized for Opportunity #2 – Railing Art Addition and Opportunity #3 – Functional Art
September 2026: Designs finalized for Opportunities #4 and #5 – Bridge Underpasses
Spring 2027: Install for Opportunities #2, #3, #4, and #5
For any questions related to the call, please contact Megan Berner, Arts & Culture Manager, at bernerm@reno.gov or 775-326-6333.For questions or issues with the application form or Submittable, please contact Submittable Tech Support.
Small Walls Artist Roster
Overview
The City of Reno is seeking qualifications from artists whose primary work is in murals or other facade artwork for a prequalified roster. The intention of the Small Walls Artist Roster is to invite artists who are interested in working with the City of Reno and private business owners to paint murals or create other facade artwork. Artists accepted on the roster will be considered for opportunities to work with private business owners through the Small Walls program.
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.
Businesses are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in matching funds and are required to work with a local artist from the Small Walls Artist Roster supplied by the City.
Businesses are asked to identify spaces for murals and facade artwork that are 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.
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
Qualifications
- Must live in the Reno-Sparks metro area
- Be a visual artist, wishing to work in the realm of public art. Having completed a mural or other public art is not required, however, it is highly suggested that artists have experience painting on a larger scale with paint mediums that translate well to exterior walls or other hard surfaces.
Benefits of being on the roster
- Once you are on the Small Walls Artist Roster, you will be eligible for opportunities without having to apply for each one individually. Currently, we are looking for artists for the Small Walls RDA program but anticipate further opportunities in the future.
- We share this roster with outside partners, allowing them to identify potential local artists for projects on private property.
How to apply for the roster
To apply to be on the Small Walls Artist Roster, you must complete an application via Submittable.
You will be asked to provide:
- Contact information
- 5 images of your work - It is suggested that the work samples focus on mediums applicable to mural painting or facade artwork. Good quality images make a difference!
- Short biography and artist statement
There will be periodic opportunities to update your profile text and images on the roster.
Your work must be appropriate for a public space. We do not allow artwork that includes hate speech, illicit drug use, smoking, guns, nudity, or violence. Please do not include this in your work samples.
A committee will review applications for eligibility and determine whether artists are qualified and can complete a mural based on the work samples provided. Incomplete and ineligible application will not be shared with the committee.
Terms and Conditions
- You must be the creator of the artworks you submit.
- You must give credit to any partners on projects.
- Acceptance on the roster does not guarantee you will receive a project.
- Imagery created solely through AI is not acceptable as work samples or proposed commissioned artworks because they are not protected by copyright.
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).
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)
- Property owner consent and wall condition verified
- Realistic budget and match secured
- Permitting and access plan identified
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.
Summary
We are bringing public art to Cyan Park!
The Cyan Park 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 review and make recommendations for a public art project at Cyan Park. The Task Force will make recommendations for project guidelines, requests for qualifications from artists, artist selection, and community engagement. The Task Force will be active approximately from late May through Fall of 2026.
Deadline to apply extended to Sunday, April 12th at 11pm via Submittable.
Cyan Park Public Art Task Force
Cyan Park is a 14-acre park in Ward 6 on a portion of the former Bella Vista Ranch. The park features a playground, picnic shelter, a field, tennis court, basketball court, dog park, and water play toys. Funding for public art at Cyan Park comes from the City of Reno’s 2% for Art Ordinance which requires that 2% of the cost of eligible municipal capital improvement projects (buildings and parks) be set aside for public art. The Reno City Council’s strategic priorities include creating vibrant neighborhoods and public places by prioritizing public arts and culture. The new 2025 Public Art Master Plan created a Task Force model to broaden public input for public art projects and increase citizen participation in projects. Task force members are a diverse mix of community members selected for their expertise and/or connection to the area or subject of new public art commissions. Task force members assist in guiding the public art process from start to finish of a project, deepening community participation and artistic excellence in Reno.
Task Force Eligibility and Role Responsibilities
The Cyan Park Task Force is a completely volunteer role. Cyan Park Task Force members may not apply for Cyan Park public art projects. Task Force members must be 18 years old and live in the City of Reno's city boundaries. Priority will be given to members of the public living in Ward 6 or those who frequently use Cyan Park. Task Force members are expected to attend up to (5) five public meetings to review and make recommendations for the annual Cyan Park Call for Artists (project guidelines and requirements) and review applications and make recommendations for artist selection. Task Force members are also expected to be involved in the community engagement process through outreach to community members and guidance on engagement activities. The Task Force will be active approximately from late May through Fall of 2026. It is recommended that applicants review the 2025 Reno Public Art Master Plan Update.
Task Force Applications are due on Sunday, April 12th at 11pm via Submittable.