Public Art in the City of Reno

The City of Reno manages a collection of over 185 permanent as well as temporary works of art that are placed throughout the city. The City of Reno's Public Art Program is part of the Arts & Culture Department in the City Manager’s Office. The Arts & Culture Department works with the Reno Arts & Advisory Board, a citizen committee appointed by the City Council. 

What is Public Art? 

“Public art is a reflection of how we see the world – the artist’s response to our time and place combined with our own sense of who we are.” - from the Association for Public Art

Public art, in its most basic definition, is art in public spaces. While the term may evoke images of bronze statues, public art can take on a wide variety of forms and sizes. Some public art is temporary and some permanent. Often, public art is site-specific--created for a particular place or community--and can include murals, sculpture, integrated architectural work, benches, bike racks, and performances and festivals. Public Art is free and accessible to everyone. 

City of Reno Public Art Archive

Learn about specific artworks or explore the City of Reno's public Art collection on the Public Art Archive. The interactive map let's you explore and locate works while the art interface allows for sorting by type, material, theme and more with artist quotes, biographical information and links to artists websites. 

Public Art Funding 

Public Art in Reno is funded in several ways including the 2% for Art Ordinance which ensures that public art has a place in all City of Reno buildings and parks. The Reno City Council’s strategic priorities for the City of Reno include creating vibrant neighborhoods and public places by prioritizing public arts and culture. As such, the City of Reno has also set aside money from the Room Tax Fund for Arts & Culture and public art budgets.  

Arts & Culture at the City of Reno also pursues and secures funding from state, federal and foundational grants to bolster the funding of public art in Reno.

Please see our Call for Artists page for current opportunities.

If you have questions or would like more information, please email publicart@reno.gov. 

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