Call to artists: Native American mural art
The budget and timeline for this project has been revised as of December 8, 2023.
The University of Nevada, Reno and Office of Indigenous Relations seeks requests for qualifications for an outdoor mural project to be located on the University of Nevada, Reno main campus. This mural is part of the University’s sesquicentennial celebration.
The University of Nevada recognizes that it is situated on the traditional homelands of the Numu (Northern Paiute), Wašiw (Washoe), Newe (Western Shoshone), and Nuwu (Southern Paiute) peoples and understands the importance of Tribal communities and Native Americans across the State of Nevada, and their diverse perspectives.
The mural will serve as a space for gathering, reflection, and celebration of Native American Peoples.
Vision
The vision for this mural is to be a transition piece to include storytelling as a visual representation throughout the years of Native American communities in Nevada, and to highlight the ways in which education has served as a tool for empowerment and the movement of Native American People. This may include the intertwined relationship between traditional ways in present day Native American communities.
The proposed mural will provide representation for Native American students, staff, faculty, community members, and visitors and strive to foster a sense of belonging at the University of Nevada, Reno. The artist will be given creative license to expand beyond the main theme of storytelling to include aspects of language, resiliency, education, empowerment, connection to land and culture, and Wolf Pack imagery.
Mural project overview
This call is open to any artist. The University of Nevada, Reno encourages submissions from artists residing in the State of Nevada. Previous mural experience is preferred, but not required to apply.
The submission deadline (Nov. 10, 2023) has passed and applications are no longer being accepted.
- Statement of interest. Approximately one (1) page statement of interest/vision describing qualifications for this opportunity of the proposed concept and how your vision for the mural addresses this specific call.
- Work samples/portfolio items. Two (2) to five (5) images of work samples or portfolio items that demonstrate artists’ capabilities, approach and style. New renderings or concepts sketches specific to this request for qualifications are not required to apply initially, but may be submitted if desired.
- Preliminary budget. Preliminary budget showing estimated costs for creating the mural (e.g., travel, supplies, insurance, etc.). If selected, there would be a review of the preliminary budget and an opportunity to revise costs before mutual agreement between the University and the artist on the final budget.
- Biography/CV. Brief artist biography, resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
The budget for this project has been revised to $27,000 to be competitive with similar campus projects.
This amount will be paid to the artist or artist team and should be inclusive of all expenses including: artist’s fees, materials, fabrication, on‐site installation (including equipment, certifications, and permits), travel and personal liability insurance. Funding will be paid after the scope of work has been outlined and signed by both the University of Nevada, Reno and the artist.
The University of Nevada, Reno is required to have the following in order to enter a contractual agreement:
- Registered in Nevada Supplier Registration system (to include IRS Form W‐9)
- Completed University of Nevada, Reno Independent Contractor Form
- Certificate of Insurance(s) for the duration of the project in alignment with BCN-NSHE Contracts.
If there are questions or concerns on the equipment, contract or liability insurance requirements, please reach out to Sequoyah Pollard at sjpollard@unr.edu.
The Mural Committee, advised by feedback and comments from University Leadership and community members, will make the selection for this call. The selection will be based on the evaluation of written submission, submitted portfolios and final design.
The Mural Committee may also conduct an interview process with finalists. All proposals and interviews will be evaluated based on the Scoring Rubric Criteria. The Mural Committee will present its recommendation to University Leadership and the University Space Use Committee for final approval.
- The Mural Committee reserves the right not to select any submissions received from this call for artists.
- Submitting artist(s) should be prepared and available to meet with the committee virtually if selected.
- Submitting artists must be able to meet the project timeline.
Mural Committee members
- Daphne Emm-Hooper, Director of Indigenous Relations
- Jessica Garfield, Director of IDeA Research Administration
- Lorraine Benuto, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno
- Rochanne Downs, NAGPRA Liaison and Project Manager
- Chelsea O’Daye, University of Nevada, Reno Native American Alumni Chapter, President
- Jamiika Thomas, Doctoral Student, University of Nevada, Reno
- Sequoyah Pollard, Indigenous Relations Coordinator
- Cal Boone, "Mr. Indigenous Ambassador," University of Nevada, Reno
The Indigenous Relations Mural Committee will use the following scoring rubric in its selection process.
- Use of Storytelling. The artist’s statement of interest/vision and submitted work samples should demonstrate creativity and intent to create a transition piece with a main focus on storytelling in relation to Native American cultures.
- Cultural Representation & Historical Acknowledgement. This artist communicated Native American community perspectives and representations, specifically in respect to the local Geography and connection to the surrounding Great Basin communities. The proposed vision for art includes a connection to the historical context of the area and the broader community and includes aspects of strength and resiliency.
- Sense of Belonging. The artwork/mural/artist creates a sense of belonging and inclusion for past, present, and future Native American students, staff, faculty, community members and visitors to the campus. The mural/vision empowers the Native American community and encourages all to recognize and appreciate the University’s cultural connection and the land on which the University is situated.
- Connection to University & Native American Communities. The mural/vision reflects the University of Nevada’s commitment to realize and sustain a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all community members, students, faculty, colleagues, alumni and visitors and connects the University community and the Native American community. The artist demonstrates a commitment to the University’s values of Excellence, Integrity, Inclusiveness and Collaboration.
- Artist’s Capabilities. The proposal, artist statement, and submitted work samples clearly demonstrate the artists ability to meet the project requirements and fully realize the project in respect to timeline, location, medium for artwork, lifetime/longevity of the Mural and scalability from creation to completion.
Mural site requirements
This mural will be located on the University of Nevada, Reno main campus on the Ansari Business Building, which is accessible by a walkway in between the Ansari Business Building and Pennington Student Achievement Center (PSAC). Please note that each wall of the mural may have unique parameters to work within and that a lift will likely be required to access the space due to uneven ground directly in front of mural wall.
Total wall surface area for the mural wall(s) is 1,396 SQ FT.
Mural paint requirements
- Low maintenance; primer coat; anti‐graffiti coating; weather, vandal and graffiti resistant; or some kind of clear coat. This mural will not be maintained by campus Facilities Services.
- Suitable for public viewing by all ages.
- Artist will need to provide all materials and equipment for the installation of the mural. This includes the lift and any additional certifications or permits required).
Project timeline - Updated
- Call for Artists (RFQs) Opens. October 20, 2023
- Call for Artists (RFQs) Closes. No longer accepting submissions (Deadline was Nov. 10, 2023)
- Finalists Selected. January 2024
- Artists Selection and Contract. Feb - March 2024
- Indigenous Mural Art Installation. May - June 2024
The artist will have access to the Mural area to begin their work on Monday, May 20, 2024 and will be required to have the Mural complete and the area free from equipment and materials by June 30, 2024. This timeline coincides with the University’s Summer Sessions with fewer students on campus, and provides minimal disruption to the pedestrian walkways and academic classes.
Supporting equitable opportunities
The University of Nevada Reno is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive campus culture. Our goal is to ensure that you have the right to an education and to work and advance in employment on the basis of merit, ability, and potential without fear of discrimination. In short, our vision is to see, Every Member of The Pack Treated With Dignity and Respect.
The Office of Indigenous Relations at the University of Nevada, Reno aims to build strong community connections, provide funding and resources, and create supportive and culturally inclusive environments for Indigenous students, faculty and communities.
For more on information, visit Equal Opportunity & Title IX.
Community forum
An open discussion/call for public comments was held the week of November 6-10 for public comments. The Mural Committee will continue to work with the Communities throughout the remainder of the process.
Contact us
For questions on the project, please email Sequoyah Pollard in the Office of Indigenous Relations at sjpollard@unr.edu.