Gerlach Trailhead Public Art Project
| Washoe County invites artists, artist teams, collectives, and organizations to submit proposals for a public art installation at the Washoe Artrail Gerlach Trailhead, a gateway to one of Nevada’s most unique and iconic landscapes. The County in partnership with Burning Man and multiple community partners developed a public participatory experience through an Artrail that celebrates cultural, historic and artistic landmarks. The Artrail routes along the Truckee River through the cities of Reno and Sparks, turn north to historic Lake Pyramid on Paiute Tribal land, and continue to Gerlach in the far northern region of Washoe County, over 200 miles. Washoe County seeks a signature public artwork to serve as a gateway landmark at the Gerlach Trailhead for the Washoe Artrail. Artists are invited to propose large-scale, durable, and visually compelling installations that reflect the unique culture, landscape, history, and spirit of the Black Rock Desert region. This opportunity seeks an artwork that celebrates the spirit, culture, history, environment, and sense of place that make Gerlach and the surrounding Black Rock Desert region extraordinary. Artists are encouraged to create work that engages visitors, inspires curiosity, and provides a memorable visual landmark for residents and travelers alike. |
| The project budget is anticipated to be up to $100,000. Final funding available for artwork fabrication, transportation and installation may vary based on project requirements and site conditions. |
Please read the submission guidelines carefully.
STEP 1: Submit Your Concept Proposal
Submit your proposal via email to: submissions@sierra-arts.org Deadline: July 27, 2026.
Email Subject Line: “Gerlach Trailhead Public Art Project“
Please attach your submission materials (PDF preferred), including:
- Artist information and biography
- Artwork title
- Project summary
- Physical description of the artwork
- Estimated dimensions
- Proposed materials
- Illumination concept
- Approximate weight (if known)
- Philosophy and artistic intent
- Sketches, renderings, photographs, or examples of previous work
- Any additional information that will help reviewers understand your proposal
IMPORTANT! At this stage, artists are submitting a concept proposal only.
You do not need to provide:
- Engineered drawings
- Final construction documents
- Detailed fabrication budgets
- Installation plans
STEP 2: Committee Review
The Gerlach Committee will review all submissions and evaluate proposals based on:
- Artistic merit
- Relevance to the site and community
- Feasibility
- Durability
- Visual impact
- Public safety considerations
STEP 3: Finalist Selection
Three (3) finalists will be selected to move forward in the process. Each finalist will receive a $1,000 stipend to develop a detailed final proposal. Finalists will be announced on or about August 17, 2026.
STEP 4: Final Proposal Development
Finalists will have from August 20 – September 24, 2026 to prepare a complete proposal package. The final proposal must include:
- Refined project narrative
- Detailed site plan
- Engineered drawings (if applicable)
- Final construction documents
- Detailed fabrication budget
- Installation plan
- Materials specifications
- Maintenance considerations
- Updated renderings and visual representations
Final proposals are due September 25, 2026.
STEP 5: Final Selection
One artwork that best fulfills the vision for the Gerlach Trailhead Gateway Project will be selected, with community input. The selected artist will be notified on September 30, 2026.
STEP 6: Fabrication & Installation
- October 2026 – January 2027: Design Finalization and Fabrication
- March – April 2027: Installation and Project Completion
The selected artwork will become a permanent gateway landmark welcoming visitors to Gerlach and the Black Rock Desert region.