Description

The Reno Arts & Culture Commission (RACC) is seeking qualifications from artists for a public art opportunity in Reno, Nevada. This opportunity is open to artists living and working in northern Nevada and northern California.

Project Description:

The Reno Arts & Culture Commission is looking for an artist/artist team to design and create a large-scale mural on the exterior of the activity center at Teglia’s Paradise Park. This project will add vibrancy to the building and surrounding area 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 users of the building, the surrounding neighborhood, and the elementary school located adjacent to the activity center. The final design of the mural will be created from input from these sessions.

The mural will be painted on the exterior south wall and west walls of the activity center. Approximate square footage to be painted is around 2,000 square feet (see attached drawings).

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 RACC seeks artists with public art experience. The $20,000 commission will cover all services from design through final installation/implementation, including artist fee, fabrication, insurance, transportation, travel fees, and installation.

Final selection of one artist or team will be made by the PAC, RACC, and stakeholders and approved by Reno City Council based on proposal and qualifications.

Budget:

Project budget is $20,000 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 2% for Public Art Ordinance / Public Art Fund.

Location:

Google Maps link to Teglia’s Paradise Park Activity Center.

General Area:

Teglia’s Paradise Park is Reno’s second largest park with 38.39 acres of open space, retention ponds, community garden, play areas, newly installed futsal courses, walking trails and an activity center. Located in Northeast Reno just off Oddie Boulevard, and built in 1986, Teglia’s Paradise Park Activity Center features a kitchen and a large multi-purpose room for a variety of recreation activities. The Activity Center is programmed with a variety of classes and activities throughout the year for all ages.

The neighborhood surrounding Paradise Park is in CDBG Eligible block group 1 with this area having an estimated population of 1,499. From this population, 79.53% of this group is considered as having low to moderate income, 43.72% of which are considered low income. The Activity Center is located adjacent to Bernice Mathews Elementary School, a Title I school. The surrounding community is diverse and predominantly Spanish-speaking and visitors will find multiethnic businesses, restaurants, and activities.

Submission Requirements:

Resume or CV: Current professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV), detailing professional artistic accomplishments, list of relevant past projects, and references from previous public art projects.
Digital Images: 5 digital images of previously completed artwork. Include image list with 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. Include information on how you would approach this project, particularly the community engagement portion.

The Artist Selection Process:

Artists/teams submit qualifications, past work examples, and a letter of interest online through Submittable (see below).
The Public Art Committee, with input from stakeholders, and RACC will select an artist/artist team for the commission.

Timeline:

January 31, 2023 - Submission due online at 11:59 pm PST
February 2023 - One artist/team selected for commission
March/April 2023 - Community engagement and mural design
May/June 2023 - Artwork installation

How to Submit Your Qualifications:

Submit images of past work, resume, letter of interest and biographical information in Submittable at:

For more information about City of Reno programs, visit www.RenoCulture.com. For questions on submitting through Submittable, please contact the Submittable Support Team. For questions regarding the call, please contact City of Reno Arts & Culture Program Assistant, Ashley Gottlieb, at gottlieba@reno.gov or (775) 689-8459.