Competitions

Sparks Mural Design Commission - America's 250th

City of Sparks seeks Nevada artists to design a mural celebrating America's 250th birthday and the city's historic downtown.

The City of Sparks is inviting professional artists and artist teams from Nevada to submit portfolios and design concepts for a significant public art mural project. This opportunity is part of the America 250 Initiative, funded through a grant from Travel Nevada to commemorate America's 250th birthday in 2026.

The mural will be painted inside the city-owned, 250-seat outdoor amphitheater located in historic downtown Sparks. The artwork will showcase the city's rich history, celebrate community heritage, and educate both residents and visitors about Sparks' important contributions to building the nation and the American West.

Selected artists or artist teams will receive $17,000 to cover all time and materials for the project. This compensation reflects a professional-level commitment to creating a high-quality public artwork that will serve as a lasting legacy.

The City of Sparks has planned a special public unveiling event featuring live music and guided tours of historic downtown Sparks, conducted in partnership with the Sparks Heritage Museum. This celebration will mark the completion of the mural and engage the community in appreciating the finished artwork.

This is an open call for Nevada-based artists. The selection process prioritizes professional artists with demonstrated experience in mural design and public art. Selected artists will have the opportunity to create a meaningful piece that will be prominently displayed and appreciated by thousands of community members and visitors annually.