Call to artists: Native American mural art

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.