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. Please apply with one submission. Multiple proposals from an individual artist or artist group will not be accepted. 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 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. The City of Reno will prime the box prior to painting and apply a protective coating after completion.
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.
Program Overview The Redevelopment Agency is expanding the Activation Pilot, building on the success of the initial 2023 ARPA-funded effort that introduced recurring events in three priority downtown plazas. Those activations, approved through the 2026 event season, demonstrated the value of consistent programming in strengthening public spaces, supporting local partners, and increasing overall vibrancy. This new round expands the program beyond the original plazas to additional neighborhoods within the Redevelopment District, continuing the Agency’s focus on placemaking, activation, and community-driven use of public space. By fostering engaging, inclusive events, this program aims to strengthen our local business corridors and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Mission Our mission is to support recurring, accessible programming that enriches the cultural identity of Reno’s districts, drives economic activity, and strengthens community connection. Through these activations, the Reno Redevelopment Agency seeks to cultivate dynamic district environments that reflect Reno’s creative spirit.
Key Objectives
- Support a diverse range of events that bring energy and activity into the districts within the Redevelopment areas.
- Catalyze economic development by supporting local businesses and increasing district foot traffic.
- Enrich the experience of residents and visitors through accessible, high-quality programming.
- Encourage new and innovative activations across Reno’s districts.
- Strengthen community identity and pride through shared public experiences.
Vision We envision Reno’s districts filled with concerts, neighborhood festivals, art activations, cultural celebrations, markets, and multi-date programming that attract diverse audiences, support small businesses and build lasting community connection.
Eligibility Requirements for Third-Party Promoters To participate in the District Activation Pilot, event promoters must meet the following criteria:
- Event Location: Events must take place within the Brewery District, Riverwalk District, or Midtown District.
- New Events Only: Only new events are eligible. Preference will be given to recurring or multi-date activations.
- Free and Open to the Public: All events must be free and accessible to the public.
- Prior Event Production Experience: Demonstrated experience in producing events.
- Engaged Social Media Audiences: A demonstrated ability to market events effectively.
- Day-of Coordinator Role: Serve as the on-site coordinator for the activation.
- Attendance at Planning Meetings: Attend all required planning meetings.
- Vendor Coordination: Promoters must coordinate all event vendors in partnership with the Placemaking Manager.
- Budget Approval: All budgets must be reviewed and approved by the Placemaking Manager and may be adjusted to meet program needs.
- Frequency: Priority will be given to weekly, monthly, or quarterly events.
Benefits for Third-Party Promoters
- Financial Support: Receive funding for operating expenses such as rentals, waste services, portable restrooms, etc.
- Community Engagement: Engage directly with residents, businesses, and district stakeholders.
- Agency Collaboration: Work closely with the Reno Redevelopment Agency throughout planning and implementation.
- Visibility: Showcase your event in active, high-traffic district environments.
- Economic Impact: Contribute to the vibrancy and economic strength of Reno’s districts.
Budget
- Selected recipients may receive up to $20,000 per activation, based on scoring criteria and budget approval.
- Awards typically range from $1,000–$10,000.
- As this is one-time funding, eligible activations may apply for up to one season of support.
Estimated Timeline
- Applications open: February 3, 2026
- Applications close: March 15, 2026
- Selected partners notified: April 12, 2026
- Activation window: June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
By participating in the Reno Redevelopment Agency’s District Activation Program, event promoters help energize Reno’s districts and strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of our community. Together, we can build more vibrant, inviting destinations for residents, students, and visitors across the Brewery, Riverwalk and Midtown Districts.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I apply if I have an existing event? No, only new events are eligible. Preference is given to recurring or multi-date activations.
- How often can an activation occur? Eligible activations must be recurring or multi-day. Priority is given to events that occur weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
- Who can I contact for questions about the program? Questions can be directed to the Reno Redevelopment Agency’s Placemaking Manager. Contact information will be provided on the application page.
- How does funding work and how will I be paid? Funding for selected activations is provided as a reimbursement grant. Promoters are responsible for paying vendors, staff, and other event expenses upfront. After the event, you will submit a final budget report with receipts and documentation to the Activation Coordinator. Once approved, the Reno Redevelopment Agency will issue a reimbursement for eligible expenses up to the approved funding amount.
- What expenses are eligible for funding? The District Activation Pilot Program provides funding for direct event operating costs necessary to produce a safe and engaging activation. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:
- Equipment rentals (tables, chairs, tents, staging, sound/lighting equipment)
- Waste management and portable restrooms
- Event signage and wayfinding materials
- Permits, insurance, and city-required fees
- Staffing costs directly related to event execution (on-site coordinators, security, production staff)
- Marketing and promotional materials directly supporting the event
- Artist, performer, or vendor fees (if part of the activation)
- Are there any reporting requirements for funded activations? Yes, to measure the impact of the District Activation Pilot Program, promoters are asked to provide the following information:
- Event summary: Brief description of activities and any notable highlights.
- Final budget report: Itemized expenses with receipts or invoices to document reimbursement.
- Attendance Estimates: Approximate number of participants per activation. Promoters may provide counts or best estimates. (RDA staff can provide traffic and visitation data.)
- Marketing & Outreach Efforts: Summary of social media promotion, advertising, and other outreach activities.
- Collaboration notes: Any lessons learned, vendor coordination feedback, or suggestions for future activations.