dorothy mcalinden park outdoor sculptures
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.
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.
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.
Selected artists/artist teams will be expected to work with the community, City staff, and stakeholders for final design and placement.
Estimated Timeline:
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.