Overview

The Nevada Public Arts Advisory Commission (NPAAC) was established by a City of Nevada ordinance in 2023. The Nevada City Council approved the seven volunteer members, and the Commission started meeting in January of 2024. A mission statement was developed:

 “Supporting the arts in Nevada as an effort to promote our city’s unique identity through engagement with artists and local stakeholders working together to enrich public spaces.” 

The NPAAC assessed the community for existing public art, followed by conducting a community survey to determine the residents’ desired art projects. Murals rose to the top of that list. The Main Street Nevada office had a blank canvas on the north side of their building, and the State Bank and Trust offered to prep that canvas. The bank is a neighbor of the building and welcomes this mural project.

The NPAAC welcomes and encourages submissions for their initial project in downtown Nevada, Iowa. This mural should be visitor friendly that will improve the standard of living, activate the downtown space, create interaction between visitors and residents, and stimulate the creation of subsequent murals.

Program Details

An Iowa Economic Development Authority Art Project Grant for Organizations will be submitted by April 22, 2025, and the cash match collected according to the grant requirements. The site at 1015 6th St will be prepared in Spring 2025. Mural work may start July 1, 2025, and the work must be completed by August 24, 2025.

Size of site up to 12’ x 36’, 9×16 aspect ratio preferred

Artist Submission

• Biography
• Resume 
• Cover letter
• Statement- explanation of proposed mural, including installation needs, total cost
• Photos or renderings of proposed mural design
• 3-5 Previous Work Samples
• 2 Professional References

Artist Benefits

Project costs will include all supplies and lifts. The artist will be listed in all social media and public relations.   

Criteria

Mural Design selection will be based on artistic merit, creativity, and durability in all types of weather. 

Insurance

The artist will assume responsibility for insurance.

Project Timeline

Call for Artists Open: March 8, 2025

Close Call: April 8, 2025

Site Prep completed and Mural Work Begins: July 1, 2025

Mural Work Completed: Aug 17, 2025 

Public Reception: August 22, 2025