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Call for Muralists

Coloring the Walls - A Reno-Sparks Convention Center Mural Contest

What inspires you about living in Northern Nevada? We're looking for artists to create murals that capture the spirit, energy and inspiration of Northern Nevada and the Reno Tahoe region. This is your chance to share what excites you about living in this area.

Guidelines for Your Submission

  • Personal Connection: Reflect on what inspires you — whether it’s the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada, the vibrant local arts scene, outdoor recreation, iconic events, historic landmarks, community spirit, or other aspects that make this region unique.
  • Creative Freedom: All artistic styles are welcome — abstract, figurative, illustrative. Your mural should convey emotion, tell a story, or highlight the qualities of the region that resonate most with you.
  • Engagement: Consider how your design will interact with the public space and engage the community.

We want this mural to be a celebration of our community through your eyes. Bring your vision, passion, and creativity to life and inspire everyone who sees it!

This is open to residents of Washoe County, professional or emerging artists, and all ages are welcome to submit. If an artist under the age of 18 is selected, they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while they paint in the building.

Terms & Conditions

Stipend: $2,000 ($500 supplies, $1,500 artist fee)

  • Artists will be responsible for bringing/using their own paints, brushes, rollers, ladders, and drop cloths.
  • Artists must use water-based, non-toxic paints suitable for indoor application. Acceptable materials include acrylic artist paints, latex/acrylic wall paints, or other low-VOC, water-based mural paints. Spray paints, oil-based paints, and solvent-based products are not permitted.
  • Artists must store and dispose of their own paints. No storage or disposal allowed in restrooms or anywhere on the property at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
  • Stipend will be paid upon completion of mural.

Eligibility: Open to residents of Washoe County, professional or emerging artists, all ages are welcome to submit. If an artist selected is under the age of 18, they must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian while they paint in the building.

Submission Requirements:

  • Concept sketches or digital mockups (1–3 images)
  • Short artist statement (max 250 words)
  • Social media or website link

Selection Criteria:

  • Creativity and originality
  • Fit with the mural theme and public space
  • Feasibility of execution within the mural size and budget

Timeline:

  • Submission deadline: December 3, 2025
  • Selected artist notified: December 10, 2025
  • Mural painting: December 15, 2025 - January 4, 2026
  • Media unveiling: January 6, 2026

Additional Information:

  • Reno-Sparks Convention Center will provide wall access
  • Artists retain credit for the work; the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) and all RSCVA subsidiaries reserve the right to photograph and promote the mural. The RSCVA retains ownership of the work once painted and may remove or paint over the mural as future building needs dictate.

Artist Compliance – Reno-Sparks Convention Center Mural Project

  • The artist must sign a liability waiver prior to beginning any mural work inside the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. All contracts or agreements are subject to review by the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority’s (RSCVA) legal counsel. A project will be awarded upon signing of an agreement or contract that outlines the terms, scope, budget, and all other necessary details.
  • No artist may begin any painting or installation until the mural design is approved, and all required liability waivers and agreement/contract forms are completed and submitted to the RSCVA. Where an artist is under age 18, a parent or guardian must sign all forms.
  • The operational needs of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center take precedence over any other use. The RSCVA reserves the right to adjust, delay, or remove artwork or installations without prior notice if required for facility operations, safety, or maintenance. Artists may not interfere with scheduled events or activities within the building during installation and may only work on the mural during the days/times designated by the RSCVA.
  • Artists are responsible for bringing all necessary supplies, including paint, ladder, and drop cloth, and for preparing, painting, and finishing their mural in a professional and safe manner. Each accepted artist will work with designated RSCVA staff to ensure the work is completed in compliance with venue safety standards, timelines, and facility guidelines.
  • Only approved, non-toxic, and low-VOC materials may be used inside the Convention Center.
  • Artists selected for the project, and their mural, may be featured in RSCVA digital and traditional promotional materials and media.
  • Upon completion of their mural, Artists will be paid a fee of $2,000 for their work ($500 supplies, $1,500 artist fee). No other compensation will be negotiated or awarded. Checks may be picked up from the Reno-Sparks Convention Center Administrative Office on or after January 6, 2026.
  • In the event RSCVA receives a third-party inquiry related to commissioning additional pieces, the RSCVA will provide the interested party with artist’s contact information then on file with the RSCVA. RSCVA shall have no other role or involvement involving commissioned pieces for third parties, and artist will receive 100% of proceeds from any resulting sales or commissions.
  • Artists may sign their mural. The RSCVA will include a small plaque with the artist’s name, title and description of the work to be provided by artist and subject to the RSCVA’s reasonably approval. A link to either the artist’s website or social media handle will also be included if so desired by the artist.
  • Once completed, all murals and any and all rights associated therewith will become the sole and exclusive property of the RSCVA, and artist shall retain no rights related thereto. Any removals, relocation, or restoration work shall be at the sole discretion of the RSCVA.

Download a complete copy of Terms & Conditions here.

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