RFQ Permanent Public Art at Reno-Tahoe International Airport Loop Road

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) is seeking qualified artists or teams to provide permanent artwork for the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) Loop Road project. Under the 1% for Art Resolution (Board Resolution No. 552), the RTAA has pledged a minimum of 1% of RTAA-funded design and construction costs for capital improvement projects in public spaces to be allocated for public art. This solicitation is completed in partnership with local and regional art organizations through the RTAA's Art Advisory Committee.

The artwork will be installed at four elevator tower stairwells or five exterior canopies at RNO in Reno, Nevada. The artwork should enliven the currently neutral space, create a welcoming moment for travelers and locals, and enhance the traveler experience and pedestrian areas. Artwork must be placed in highly visible locations for both pedestrians and drivers, be a series of multi-location installations, be durable for all weather conditions, be low maintenance, be appropriate for all types of travelers and locals, comply with traffic safety regulations and FAA regulations, and incorporate the RTAA's Modern Mountain design theme. The artwork should not interfere with airport signage, impact circulation or traveler needs, compete with decision-making moments, or compete with or cover existing artwork elements. Artwork may include lighting or electrical components and may utilize existing structures as the base for installation.

The budget is up to $300,000 all inclusive, covering semi-finalists' stipends, design fees, travel, mileage, per diem, engineering, fabrication, supplies, material costs, meeting and administration hours, labor, artist fees, legal review fees, approval by a Nevada-licensed engineer, permits, licenses, insurance, lighting, equipment rentals, delivery/shipping, storage, documentation, installation, usage, and licensing. Professional visual artists or artist teams at least 18 years of age residing in the United States are eligible. Applicants must submit 5-10 images and up to 2 videos (5-12 total work samples), an artist statement/team bio, a one-page letter of interest, a one-page résumé/CV per team member, portfolio images with descriptions, and three professional references. The entry deadline is April 7, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Semi-finalists will be notified in April 2025, with the RFP phase running from late April through early June 2025. Proposal presentations by semi-finalists are scheduled for early June 2025. The finalist will be selected by the RTAA Board of Trustees on August 14, 2025. Artwork fabrication is scheduled for summer 2025 through summer 2026, with installation in July 2026.