Public Art Master Plan

Public art is often thought of as the place where arts and culture meet community. Over the last thirty years, the City has funded and placed nearly two hundred artworks – from signature sculptures to painted traffic boxes to community-initiated projects – in communities throughout Reno. The City Council’s strategic priorities include creating vibrant neighborhoods and public places through arts and culture initiatives.  

The City of Reno Arts & Culture Department is embarking on a process of positioning the City’s public art program to best meet the opportunities ahead. The process, which will include updating the City’s public art processes, master plan, and ordinance, is being led by consultants Todd Bressi, Amina Cooper, and Jessica Cusick, and will be completed in fall of 2024.  

We encourage everyone to join us in imagining how public art can be a voice for Reno’s communities as well as an integral part of the city’s landscape and identity!   

How does public art best fit into the city? What kinds of projects would you like to see, and where? Here’s how you can be involved: 

• Sign up for announcements about our survey, events where you can share your ideas, and posting of the plan draft for review. 

• Send us your questions, ideas and concerns about public art at any time to: publicart@reno.gov 

Public Art Workshop Series for Reno’s Arts and Culture Community  

Reno Arts and Culture is launching series of professional development and networking workshops for local artists and cultural workers. This FREE series will include public artists and arts experts who will provide resources and information to help you grow your practices and connect with resources in the community. You’ll also be able to provide input that helps to shape the future of Reno’s public art program. 

Session 1: What is Public Art, and Why? May 1, 2024, 5 pm - Watch Recording Here Session 2: How Can We Build a Public Art Network in Reno? June 10, 2024, 5 pm, in person.  
Session 3: How to be a Practicing Public Artist. September 10, 2024.  
Session 4: Partner and Pitch, November 2024  

Dates and topics subject to change. 

Current Public Art Master Plan 

City of Reno's Public Art Master Plan adopted in 2002. 

You can also read the City of Reno's Cultural Master Plan adopted in 2012.

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