Call for Artists - Dorothy McAlinden Park Outdoor Sculptures
Ends on
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Dorothy McAlinden Park Outdoor Sculptures
Public Art Project
Reno, Nevada
Deadline: Tuesday, July 26th at 11:00 pm PDT
Budget: $81,000
SUMMARY:
The City of Reno is accepting qualifications from artists/artist teams for an exterior public art installation at Dorothy McAlinden Park. This project will add vibrancy to the park and surrounding area. The artwork should be designed to reflect the urban and natural environment, site history, or local community while creating color and vibrancy in the park. Selected artist(s) will be expected to work with City staff for community engagement activities and artwork placement.
ARTIST QUALIFICATIONS / ELIGIBILITY:
This is a regional call and request for qualifications open to artists and artist teams living and working in the western states of Nevada, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, or Utah. 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 the western states of Nevada, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, or Utah 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 available for on-site visit to Reno
- Eligible applicants must reside in the western states of Nevada, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, or Utah
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City of Reno is seeking artist/s with prior public art experience, specifically mid-scale functional, wayfinding, or environmental sculptural work, for a unique, one-of-a-kind, exterior public art installation at Dorothy McAlinden Park.
The goals for the project include: creating a welcoming and vibrant character for Dorothy McAlinden Park, increasing public awareness of art, 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 selection committee is looking for qualifications from artists who have experience in the design, fabrication, and installation of mid-scale sculptures in outdoor environments. Artist/s must consider Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in their final design and durable, low-maintenance materials are required.
An initial community survey showed that residents who use the park would prefer multiple smaller artworks instead of a large installation. The survey also showed preference for functional, wayfinding, and environmental sculptures. Placement of the artwork is to be determined by the artist and City staff and will be dependent on the type of artwork and its appropriateness for the specific areas of the park.
The $81,000 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 McAlinden Park Public Art Task Force, Reno Arts and Culture Advisory Board, and approved by Reno City Council based on qualifications and proposals.
Selected artists/artist teams will be expected to work with the community, City staff, and stakeholders for final design and placement.
LOCATION:
Dorothy McAlinden Park on Google Maps
Dorothy McAlinden Park street view
ABOUT THE LOCATION:
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.
BUDGET:
Projected budget is not to exceed $81,000 for the entire project. This budget is inclusive of all costs associated with the design, planning, engineering, fabrication, installation, and completion of the project. This budget includes all travel costs and insurance including for in-person community engagement session/s.
SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA:
- The review committee will select three finalists to interview.
- The finalists will be invited to give a virtual presentation to the McAlinden Park Public Art Task Force to share more about their approach to community engagement, past experiences working with communities, and artistic process.
- Each finalist will receive an honorarium of $500 for the presentation.
- The McAlinden Park Public Art Task Force, and the Arts and Culture Advisory Board will select one artist/artist team for the $81,000 commission.
- City Council will have final approval.
Selection of a finalist will be based on the following criteria:
- Quality of letter of interest—addressing the specific project and how the artist/team will engage with the community in the process.
- Quality of past work samples and relevance of samples to current call (work of similar scope and scale).
- 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 finalize the artwork.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
To be submitted via Submittable. (https://cityofrenoartscultureandevents.submittable.com/submit).
1. Resume or CV: Current professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV), detailing professional artistic accomplishments, including an artist bio. Submit information for all team members.
2. Past Work Samples: 5 images of recent previously completed relevant artwork. Include title, year completed, materials/media, client, location, budget, and description of work.
3. 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, including any community engagement ideas, and how it will reflect the regional community and site.
Estimated Timeline:
RFQ announced: June 15, 2026
RFQ submission deadline: July 26, 11:00 pm PST
July-August 2026: Committee reviews and selects three finalists
Early September 2026: Finalist Presentations and Interviews
September 2026: Finalist artist/team selected for Project
October 2026: Council approval of artist/team selected for Project
November/December 2026: Artist/team will conduct community engagement sessions and work with staff and stakeholders to design artwork.
December 2026 – July 2027: Fabrication and installation.
All questions regarding this request for proposals are to be directed to Erica Hill, Public Art Coordinator, City of Reno at hille@reno.gov or 775-689-8459.