Washoe County Awarded $75K National Endowment for the Arts Grant

Washoe County & Burning Man launch project that celebrates cultural, historic and artistic landmarks

Reno, Nev. July 19, 2017. Washoe County is proud to announce a $75,000 Our Town grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Washoe County in partnership with Burning Man and numerous local nonprofit and municipal partners will establish a public participatory experience highlighting the cultural, historic and artistic landmarks along a 200-mile trail, passing through small towns and tribal lands of Washoe County.

“This creative placemaking project, made possible by the Our Town grant, is the perfect way to celebrate the distinctive character and beauty of Washoe County,” says John Slaughter, County Manager. 

"While Burning Man's culture has expanded to countries around the globe, our event and organization have deep, historical ties to northern Nevada," Burning Man co-founder, Crimson Rose said. "We are excited to work with Washoe County on this new project highlighting the importance of art in the world."

“The goal of the project is to draw out and engage both urban and rural residents in the culture and beauty of the place we call home,” says Gabrielle Enfield, Washoe County Grants Administrator. “We believe this project will connect the community to the economic, arts, and cultural features, organizations and individuals throughout our vast and varied landscape,” says Enfield. The route will follow 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.

Through community workshops, rural and urban residents will identify potential sites and public art ideas along the trail. The project is estimated to take two years to complete to allow for community input, art project proposals, selection of artists, app development and implementation, installation of signage, two new art pieces and a formal unveiling.

More information about community stakeholder meetings and further updates will be available soon on the Washoe County website, www.washoecounty.us and social media channels.

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