Nevada Governor's Portrait RFP

The State of Nevada invites professional artists with previous experience in commissioned portraiture work to an open competition to paint the official portrait of Governor Brian Sandoval. The portrait will hang in the Nevada State Capitol. Pursuant to NRS 223.121, the portrait must be painted in oil colors and be appropriately framed in the same manner, style, and size as the portraits of former Governors displayed in the Capitol Building. The maximum compensation for the preparation of the portrait, including all supplies, frame, hanging apparatus, and travel expenses, is $23,000.

This competition is open to all professional artists living in the United States with demonstrated experience in professional, commissioned portraiture work. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to complete the project as proposed, agree to the available budget, and comply with the stated project timeline. A selection committee will review all eligible submissions and select three finalists based on artistic quality, successful completion of similar projects, ability to complete the project within the time frame and budget, and satisfactory assessments from three references. The finalists will travel to Carson City to meet with Governor Sandoval to discuss their approach to the project. Upon selection, a contract will be generated between the artist and the State of Nevada. Payment will be made upon delivery of the approved and framed portrait to the Secretary of State and its acceptance by the Director of the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.

Submission materials required by 5 p.m. PST on August 4, 2017 include: a cover letter with contact information, slide list, and reason for interest; a one-page budget breaking out artist's fee, materials, insurance, travel, framing, and other costs; a resume of education and professional experience (not to exceed 3 pages); three references from similar projects; and six digital images of previously commissioned work submitted on CD as 300 dpi JPEG files sized to 800 x 1200 pixels maximum. All materials must be unbound, labeled, and submitted on 8.5" x 11" paper to the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, 401 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701. The portrait must be completed by March 1, 2018.