RFP/Q's Dorothy McAlinden Park Outdoor Sculptures
Opportunity Description
U.S. Multi-State Deadline: July 26, 2026 – 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
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
- 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.
DATES
- 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.
About:
The City of Reno Arts & Culture Commission (RACC) is the official advisor to the City of Reno City Council on all things arts and culture in the City of Reno. The RACC serves as the designated driver and facilitator of programs, policies and practices that support Reno’s arts and cultural vibrancy.
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