Deadline: Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 11:00 pm PST
Budget: $10,000
SUMMARY:
The City of Reno is accepting qualifications from artists/artist teams for a ground mural project at the intersection of Yori Avenue and Roberts Street. The City has allocated funding for a series of artist-designed and fabricated murals in pedestrian right-of-way in the newly redesigned intersection. The murals will be painted in the protected bump-out area around the street corners. The murals should be designed to reflect the urban and natural environment and create color and vibrancy in the space. Artists will work with Libby Booth Elementary School to get input on the design for the murals.
ARTIST QUALIFICATIONS / ELIGIBILITY:
This project is limited to artists living and working 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 who have experience implementing projects with a similar budget and scope are encouraged to apply.
- Artists must live within 150 miles of Reno, NV to be eligible
- Artists aged 18 or older may apply as an individual or a team
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City of Reno is seeking artists for a ground mural opportunity at the intersection of Yori Avenue and Roberts Street. The murals will be painted around the corners of the intersection on the asphalt in a protected pedestrian zone. The goals for the project include enhancing safety in a crossing with concentrated pedestrian and vehicular traffic, creating a unique character for a specific area of town, increasing public awareness of art, engaging with the school community to create a design 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 letter of interest.
Selected artists/artist teams/design team will be expected to work with City staff and stakeholders to design the final artwork. The artist is expected to engage with students at Libby Booth Elementary School in some manner to get input on the design. No students will be allowed to paint the mural. A background check may be required to work with students depending on the type of engagement proposed.
Approximate square footage to be painted:
- Northwest Corner: 405 sf
- Northeast Corner: 339 sf
- Southwest Corner: 744 sf
- Southeast Corner: 482 sf
LOCATION:
Google Maps link.
ABOUT THE LOCATION:
The intersection is located in a neighborhood southeast of downtown Reno next to Libby Booth Elementary School. The City recently redesigned the intersection to enhance safety, particularly for student pedestrians in the area. Before school and after school, the intersection can have excessive vehicular traffic and the new intersection is designed to slow cars down while providing safe crossing for pedestrians.
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.
MATERIALS:
The artist will be required to use StreetBond for this project. The City will facilitate and pay for acquisition of materials. Paint is estimated to cost approximately $2,500. The rest of the materials will be paid for by the artist out of the $10,000 budget (rollers, brushes, etc.).
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:
- Letter of interest: Specifically addressing how the artist will engage with the student population at Libby Booth Elementary School to design the murals.
- Quality of work samples: Aesthetic examples and styles that fit with the specific site and project.
- 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: 3-5 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:
RFQ announced: February 28, 2025
RFQ submission deadline: March 30, 2025, 11:00 pm PST
April 2025: Committee review and selection of finalist artist/team for project
April / May 2025: Artist/team will work with staff and stakeholders to finalize designs for artwork.
May 2025: Mural painting and completion.
All questions regarding this request for qualifications are to be directed to Erica Hill, Arts & Culture Program Assistant, City of Reno at hille@reno.gov or 775-689-8459.
Deadline: Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 11:00 pm PST
Budget: $100,000
SUMMARY:
The City of Reno is seeking qualifications from artists/artist teams to design and create a large-scale mural on the north facing wall along California Avenue. The mural will be painted on a corrugated concrete wall. Artists are required to work with City staff to conduct community engagement sessions with local businesses and community members to inform the final mural design.
ARTIST QUALIFICATIONS / ELIGIBILITY:
This is a national call and request for qualifications. 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.
- Eligible applicants must reside in the United States
- Artists aged 18 or older may apply as an individual or a team
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City of Reno is looking for an artist/artist team to design and create a large-scale mural on the north facing wall along California Avenue. This project will add vibrancy to the roadway and reflect the character of the neighborhood. Part of this project includes a community engagement component. Selected artist(s) will be expected to work with City staff to conduct community engagement sessions with residents and businesses in the surrounding neighborhood. The final design of the mural will be created from input from these sessions.
The mural(s) will be painted along approximately 320 meters of horizontal wall space with varying vertical heights ranging between approximately 3 feet to 18 feet. The walls are concrete and heavily corrugated. Artists should consider simplified or implied designs, geometrics, and color blocking styles for design options. Applying paint with a sprayer is recommended. Based on the size of the wall and potential recommendations of the Reno Arts & Culture Commission and Public Art Committee, the mural may be divided between multiple artists, or the selected artist(s) may be required to work with a local artist as an apprentice for the project.
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 neighborhood, 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 weather.
The City seeks artists with prior public art experience, specifically large-scale mural work. The $100,000 commission will cover all services from design through final installation/implementation, including artist fee, materials, fabrication, insurance, transportation, travel fees, equipment, and installation. Final selection of the artist/s or team will be made by the Public Art Committee (PAC), Reno Arts and Culture Commission (RACC), stakeholders, and Reno City Council based on qualifications and letter of interest.
LOCATION:
Google Maps link to California Avenue.
ABOUT THE LOCATION:
The site of the California Avenue mural is located off California and Keystone Avenue in the Old Southwest neighborhood of Reno on the periphery of the Downtown, MidTown, and River Walk areas. The site is described in a recent study of the roadway as a mature corridor with more commercial buildings than other areas of Keystone Avenue. California Avenue is predominantly a vehicular thoroughfare for many nearby community features such as Reno High, Idlewild Park, the Reno River Walk, McKinley Arts and Culture Center, MidTown, and Downtown in addition to numerous businesses and homes. The immediate surrounding area is mixed with both residential buildings and businesses.
BUDGET:
Project budget is $100,000 for the entire project. This budget is inclusive of all costs associated with the design, planning, materials, installation, and completion of the project. The budget includes all travel costs and insurance. This project is funded by the City of Reno’s City Council. The total budget may be divided between multiple artists or an apprentice for the project based on potential recommendations of the Reno Arts & Culture Commission and Public Art Committee (see Project Description).
SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA:
- The Public Art Committee, with input from stakeholders, and the RACC will recommend the finalist artist/artist team or artists/artist teams to Council.
Selection of artist/artist team or artists/artist teams will be based on the following criteria:
- Letter of interest: Specifically address how the artist/s will engage with the local community and how previous experience qualifies the artist/s for the project.
- Quality of work samples: Aesthetic examples and styles that fit with the specific site, size, and surface of the project.
- Ability to complete the project based on bio, previous work experiences, and references
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, artist bio, list of relevant past projects, and references from previous public art projects. Submit information for all team members.
- Digital Images: 5 digital images of previously completed artwork. Include image information including date, size, location, and description of work.
- Letter of Interest: This letter should address how the applicant’s previous experience and current artistic direction will result in a successful public art project for this space, specifically indicating how your previous experience qualifies you/your team to work on large corrugated concrete walls. The letter should also include information on how you would approach designing this project with an outline or preliminary idea for the community engagement portion.
Estimated Timeline:
March 30, 2025 - Submission due online at 11:00 pm PST
April 2025 - Public Art Committee and Reno Arts & Culture Commission select artist/s for recommendation to Reno City Council
May 2025 – Artist/s selected by Reno City Council
Late May 2025 – Artist/s notified
June/July 2025 - Community engagement and mural design
August through October 2025 - Artwork installation
All questions regarding this request for qualifications are to be directed to Erica Hill, Arts & Culture Program Assistant, City of Reno at hille@reno.gov or 775-689-8459.
Art Signals: 2025 Painted Signal Box Application
Deadline: March 30, 2025, at 11:00 pm PST
SUMMARY:
The Reno Arts & Culture Commission (RACC) is seeking 10 artists to design and paint artwork on select City of Reno signal boxes. Art Signals is an annual Arts and Culture program that uses signal boxes throughout the Reno community to serve as canvases for original art pieces painted by local artists, residents, students and community members of all ages. This public art project creates new artwork for public display throughout the City of Reno. Goals of this project include: transforming utilitarian structure into an art form; increasing public awareness of art; broadening viewers' perspectives of public spaces within the city; and fostering a sense of place on Reno's streets.
SIGNAL BOX PAINTINGS ELIGIBILITY:
The Project is OPEN to artists in a regional area encompassing Nevada and Northern California. The artist(s) selected should demonstrate ability to complete this project through past work examples. No prior public art experience is necessary. The selection committee will give priority to artists who have never participated in the program or have not painted a signal box in the previous two years.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Selected artist(s) will design and paint directly onto the signal box a one-of-a-kind two-dimensional image that wrap around all sides and the top of the selected signal box. Artwork will be selected based on the quality of design, relevance to the site, and connection to the neighborhood or the community at large. Artwork is estimated to have a 3 to 5-year life expectancy.
Proposals should consider aesthetically pleasing use of color and form and should reflect thoughtful consideration of locations and site-specificity. Outside murals are subject to the harshest environmental conditions; murals must be painted with high-quality color-fast paint with the proven ability to maintain color-fastness for five-years (see paint specifications below). Large areas of black and/or dark colors will not be considered due to the risk of overheating the signal boxes. Materials, colors used, and design will be at the approval of the City of Reno.
All signal boxes are programmed for the general public. The appropriateness and quality of proposals is determined by the Public Art Committee whose recommendations are provided to the Reno Arts and Culture Commission for final approval. The boxes will be painted in May and June 2025.
PAINT SPECIFICATIONS:
These are recommendations and artists may use other materials as approved. Paint specifications as follows: Main coat (Chroma Acrylic Mural Paint, Golden Heavy Body Artist Acrylics, Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylics, Rust-Oleum Professional Rust Resistant Enamel Spray Paint, Montana Spray Paint). Upon application the artist must take into consideration: need for doors or hinges to open, keyholes not to be painted over, and not covering vents.
LOCATIONS:
- Peckham Ln. & Neil Road (Ward 3)
- S. Virginia St. & State Route 431/ Mount Rose Highway (Ward 6)
- W. Moana Ln. & Baker Ln./Smith Dr. (Ward 2)
- W. 7th St. & Stoker Ave. (Ward 5)
- Lakeside Dr. & S. McCarran Blvd. (Ward 2)
- S. Rock Blvd. & Longley Ln. (Ward 3)
- Huffaker Ln. & S. Virginia St. (Ward 6)
- Stead Blvd. & Lear Blvd. (Ward 4)
- Keystone Ave. & 4th St. (Ward 1)
- Montello St. & Oddie Blvd. (Ward 1)
BUDGET: Project Budget is $1000 per signal box, estimated to cover $300 for materials and $700 for the artist fee.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
To be submitted via Submittable. (https://cityofrenoartscultureandevents.submittable.com/submit).
- Resume or list of relevant professional artistic accomplishments from past applicable exhibitions or public art projects.
- Digital images of relevant artwork (up to 5) in JPG format.
- Image information: title, media, size, date, location, description of work
- Project Approach: Include written design concept for signal box and choice of materials (including manufacturer specifications).
- Visual representation of project proposal. Please use the Signal Box Design Submission Template provided.
- If you have a preferred signal box that you would like to paint from the list above, you may list your preferences.
Please submit materials via Submittable by March 30, 2025, at 11 p.m.
TIMELINE:
March 30, 2025, at 11:00 pm PST - Submission deadline
April 2025 - Public Art Committee and Reno Arts & Culture Commission select artists
Late April 2025 - Artists notified
May - June 2025 - Artists paint signal boxes.
For any questions related to the call, please contact publicart@reno.gov or 775-689-8459. For questions or issues with the application form or Submittable, please contact Submittable Tech Support.
Equity Expansion Grant Cycle 1
Period of Support: May 1 - August 31, 2025
Application due March 31, 2025 at 11:00PM PST
SUMMARY:
The Equity Expansion Grant is intended to provide programmatic funding to eligible organizations that expand equity through arts, culture, or heritage programs, services, or projects. The project/activity must utilize arts and culture to elevate and amplify cultural diversity. 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, 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, 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.
- Projects and programs must take place within the City of Reno boundaries. Projects taking place outside of the City of Reno are ineligible.
- City of Reno map
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.
- Proposed project must expand equity through arts, culture, or heritage.
- The project/activity must utilize arts and culture to elevate and amplify cultural diversity.
- 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 31, 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.
Special Event Sponsorship
SUMMARY:
The City of Reno Special Event Sponsorships are awarded to permitted events hosted in the City of Reno. The events may be anywhere within the Reno city limits. Sponsorships will be used to off-set City services billed in conjunction with the performance of the special event.
A Special Event is any planned gathering of 75 or more persons which is to assemble or travel in an organized manner on any street, park or other public property; or,
Any planned activity conducted by a person for a common or collective use, purpose or benefit which directly or indirectly involves the use of, and has an impact on, city street(s), park(s), or other public property or facilities which reasonable requires city management, regulation, or resources to protect the health, safety, welfare, or property of the city or its residents, coordinate multiple used of public property, control traffic, or address other substantial governmental interests at or around the activity.
Examples of special events include, but are not limited to:
- Parades;
- Street fairs and festivals;
- Live commercial music events;
- Athletic or sporting events (e.g. races, runs);
- Circuses or carnivals;
- Community celebrations and observances;
- Commercial shows, trade shows, and business promotions;
- Commercial promotional or fund-raising activities.
A competitive application will demonstrate economic, social, or cultural impact as well as a plan to reach in the following ways:
- Engages participants through a variety of means
- Event times, locations, facilities, and technology are accessible to the public
- Collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve future special events
- Demonstrates social, educational, cultural, and/or economic relevance for the community
- Contributes to vibrant, creative neighborhoods
ELIGIBILITY:
- Event permitted July 1st 2025-December 31st 2025
- Special Event Permit Application must be submitted PRIOR to your sponsorship application
- Payment for Special Event fees charged by the City must be paid in FULL to be eligible for sponsorship
- Your account with the City of Reno must be up to date and have no outstanding balances to be considered
- Held within City limits
Special Event Sponsorship applications will be evaluated based on the following:
1. The Event: All answers in this section address overall merit including overall benefit to the Community including tourism, open space activation, and cultural impact.
2. The Community: Questions in this section describe the organization’s ability to engage the community effectively. Answers should include evidence that the organization understands the economic impact or community engagement.
3. Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations: These questions will seek to learn your target audience, communication plans, and what resources will be dedicated to marketing and promoting your event.
4. Financial: This section will address the specific budget for the event or project. Show realistic numbers for costs related to the event.
FUNDING:
Committee discretion for allocation of up to $200,000 for events permitted in Reno. Limits per event will be set and determined by the Sponsorship Committee.
Sponsorship funds will not be dispersed until final billing for Special Events fees charged by the City is complete.
TIMELINE:
Sponsorship is eligible for events occurring between July 1st 2025-December 31st 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a semi-annual basis.
DEADLINE:
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY March 31st, 2025 FOR CONSIDERATION.
*If you need assistance, please reach out to Rachel Macintyre MacintyreR@reno.gov if you have any questions.
*If you would like assistance in Spanish, please contact staff at Arie Zamorano - (775) 348-6907, zamoranoa@reno.gov or Luci Ramos - (775) 348-6904, ramosl@reno.gov.
*Si desea asistencia en español o para asistir a un taller de becas en español, comuníquese con el personal al Arie Zamorano - (775) 348-6907, zamoranoa@reno.gov o Luci Ramos - (775) 348-6904, ramosl@reno.gov.