RENO, Nev. –Art will play a prominent role as the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is being reimagined and the facility undergoes a generational transformation from a ticketing hall expansion to the addition of a consolidated rental car facility and the building of two new concourses.
The overarching construction program, called MoreRNO, will bring passengers more local restaurants, more shops, more space to park cars, more room to hug loved ones, and more architecture inspired by the Reno-Tahoe region. It will also bring Northern Nevada more art.
“The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board of Trustees has made a substantial investment in the future of RNO and art is front and center,” said Jennifer Cunningham, Trustee and Board Liaison to the Art Advisory Committee. “The formation of the Art Advisory Committee brings together local and regional art organizations to lead the RTAA’s public art program with their expertise in the recruitment, selection, acquisition, installation, and maintenance of permanent artworks.”
Serving as the primary advisory body to the RTAA Board of Trustees, the Committee is comprised of up to 15 voting members and will support the artistic expression, education, and awareness of diverse voices, along with the beautification of public spaces at both RNO and Reno-Stead Airport. Currently represented is the Nevada Museum of Art, UNR School of Music, Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, Stewart Indian School, Cities of Reno and Sparks Arts and Culture Commission, Washoe County, Nevada Humanities, Holland Project, Sierra Arts Foundation, Burning Man Arts, and The Generator.
The RTAA has retained the services of Forecast Public Art to write an art master plan following the Board of Trustees’ decision to approve a Public Art Policy. The policy sets aside at least one percent of the cost of design and construction projects at RNO to fund the program, and the Committee’s first recommendation will be a site-specific commission in the expanded ticketing hall, expected to total $250,000.
“Adding more culture and diversity to the airport will enrich the travel experience for over four million passengers who travel to and from our region annually,” added Cunningham. “We will strive to engage passengers and reflect the culture of the region.”
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The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority receives no state or local funding. All operating revenues are derived from tenant and concession fees. Twelve airlines serve Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.