Small Walls Program

The City of Reno Small Walls Program is a recent initiative developed from the 2025 Public Art Master Plan Update to expand the number of murals in Reno, increase partnerships with local businesses and organizations, and provide opportunities for artists at various levels of their careers.

The Small Walls Program includes both project opportunities from the City of Reno and special funding support for businesses to partner with local artists to commission artwork or murals on private property that is public facing. Projects and opportunities are based on funding, partnerships, and wall availability.

Small Walls Artist Roster

The City of Reno Small Walls Artist Roster features Reno area artists, from emerging muralists to established professionals, all selected through application and review. The Small Walls Roster is a prequalified list of artists working in a wide range of styles and mural techniques who are eligible for opportunities under the City of Reno Small Walls Program. The roster is publicly available for local businesses and individuals to contact artists for professional mural and façade services. The roster will open periodically for artists who are not it to apply. 

View the Small Walls Artist Roster 

Current and Past Small Walls Projects

West Fourth Street Small Walls Mural Project (Fall 2026)

The City of Reno and Arts & Culture Advisory Board is commissioning 15 local artists from the Small Walls Roster to create site‑specific murals along the retaining wall on West Fourth Street between Stoker Avenue and Solitude Trail. The wall was divided into sections of varying sizes, with commissions ranging from $2,000 to $3,500 and a total project budget of $45,000. Selected murals will reflect a diverse array of Reno’s natural, cultural, or social identities and environments with the goal of contributing to corridor identity and a stronger sense of place. This project expands public art visibility, supports local artists, and enhanced a key gateway into Reno’s metropolitan core. The walls were prepared by and in partnership with the Reno Transportation Commission Washoe.

RDA Small Walls Business Grant (Spring/Summer 2026)

The RDA Small Walls Business Grant is a City of Reno Arts & Culture and Redevelopment Agency partnership that supports small‑scale murals and façade artwork on privately owned, publicly visible walls within Redevelopment Areas 1 and 2. The program aims to enliven downtown corridors, enhance walkability, reduce blight, and support local artists while helping small businesses activate their storefronts. Eligible businesses can receive up to $10,000 in 50% matching reimbursement funds and must work with a prequalified local artist. Projects typically range from 750 to 1000 square feet and must remain in place for at least two years. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated on visibility, placemaking impact, location context, feasibility, and community alignment. Awardees complete projects within 180 days and receive reimbursement upon verified completion and proof of payment. Small Walls advances creative placemaking and reinforces district identity in Reno’s priority redevelopment areas.

Round 1 – applications closed 6/30/2026

Round 2 – anticipated late 2026/early 2027