2026 Semiquincentennial Art Project

In 2026, our nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone presents a special opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and envision the future we aim to create for generations to come (America250). To mark the Nation’s Semiquincentennial, the City of Elko Arts and Culture Advisory Board invites qualified artists to submit proposals for the creation of a permanent art installation in celebration of this historic event.

Project Details:

Honorarium: The total maximum artist honorarium, covering all expenses related to creation, transportation, and installation of the artwork, is $10,000.

Dimensions: The sculpture should not exceed 5 feet in width, 12 feet in length, and 10 feet in height. This would include any base that might be part of the artwork.

Installation: The sculpture will be installed on a half circle concrete slab on the East side of 6th Street in the Elko Downtown Parking Corridor.

Materials: The sculpture must be constructed from materials durable enough to withstand all weather conditions. Public safety must be taken into consideration as it will be accessible to the public.

Theme: The artwork should reflect the theme and significance of the 2026 Semiquincentennial, honoring its history and meaning.

Submission Requirements: Artists must submit:

• A cost proposal detailing expenses for design, creation, transportation, and installation.
• An artist biography and or portfolio including
• A conceptual sketch of the sculpture, including dimensions and a description of materials.

Submission Instructions: All proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope, clearly marked with: “City of Elko Arts and Culture Advisory Board Semiquincentennial Sculpture” or may be submitted online at https://www.elkocity.com/government/bids___rfp_s/index.php.

Proposals should be submitted to the City of Elko, l75l College Ave., Elko, NV 89801 by July 25, 2025 at 4 p.m. The final installation must be completed before June 1, 2026.

The Arts and Culture Advisory Board will review all submitted proposals, including design elements, dimensions, installation methods and materials, and artist biography and portfolio before making a written recommendation to the Elko City Council. A formal award will be made at the Aug. 26, 2025 City Council Meeting, beginning at 4 p.m. The artist must sign an agreement with the City of Elko within thirty (30) days of City Council approval.

Late submissions will not be accepted. Artists submitting proposals by mail assume the risk of late delivery.

The City of Elko and the Arts and Culture Advisory Board reserve the right to accept or reject any and all proposals, as well as the right to waive any minor technicalities in the submission process.

We look forward to your creative contributions to this significant project celebrating the Nation’s Semiquincentennial.

Questions about the project shall be directed to:

City of Elko
175l College Ave.
Elko, NV 89801
775-777-7110
jnotestine@elkocitynv.gov