CALL FOR ARTISTS - SOUND (3D) for Clark County Wetlands Park
Ends on
DEADLINE: Sunday, February 1, 2026, by 11:59 PM PST
Scope of Project:
Clark County Wetlands Park is seeking ten (10) professional artists or art teams to create temporary sculptures to be exhibited in the Nature Preserve from March 13 through May 15 at Clark County Wetlands Park, 7050 Wetlands Park Lane, Las Vegas, NV, 89122. Successful applicants will be compensated one-thousand dollars ($1000) each to build and exhibit their original piece. The artwork will be exposed to natural elements (wind, rain, sun exposure) throughout the 62-day exhibit period and may be damaged or stolen during this time.
This project is open only to artists over the age of 18, who are not part-time or full-time Clark County employees or currently under contract for any Clark County Public Arts projects larger than $50,000. The contracted artist will be required to provide their Social Security number or Federal Tax ID Number.
BACKGROUND:
About Clark County Wetlands Park
Wetlands Park spans 2,900 acres on the eastern edge of the Las Vegas Valley. With a 210-acre Nature Preserve and four Trailheads, the park provides recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat as well as an outdoor classroom for scientific studies and educational programs for all ages.
Wetlands Park is shaped by urban runoff, shallow groundwater, storm water, and reclaimed water that flows through the Las Vegas Wash and into Lake Mead.
More than 300 species of birds and 70 species of mammals and reptiles have been identified in the park, including beavers, coyotes, bobcats, and snakes. The park offers a wide variety of programs to the public, including walks led by Certified Interpretive Guides, art, children’s crafts and stories, and group and individual volunteer opportunities.
Wetlands Park Mission
“Clark County Wetlands Park preserves and enhances natural and cultural resources, and provides educational, recreational, and research opportunities to the public.”
About SOUND
At Clark County Wetlands Park, attentive visitors are rewarded with a rich soundscape, from birdsong to rustling reeds and the stirring of wildlife. Proposed sculptures should explore sound as a visual and spatial concept, evoking the park's soundscape through form, movement, texture, and materials rather than audio playback. While sound is the conceptual foundation, sculptures should not incorporate mechanical sound-making elements, speakers, or audio playback: the works should evoke sound purely through visual and sculptural means.
Both abstract interpretations and representational forms (animals, plants, and other wetland elements) are welcome. Artists might consider how a sculptural bird might embody the quality of its song, how plant forms might suggest the whisper of wind through reeds, or how abstract forms can visualize the trickle of water or the buzzing of insects. Works may also reflect on the relationship between humans and natural sounds—what we lose when disconnected from the organic rhythms of the natural world, and what we gain when we listen attentively.
Requirements for Artist:
- This project is an entry-level public art project that is open to all 18 and older Clark County residents except for Clark County employees.
- All project supplies are to be provided by Artist.
- Artists are required to attend the Application Workshop on Friday, December 13 from 10am-11am. Alternatively, the artist may review a recorded version of the presentation and Q&A. Your application must include a keyword mentioned during the presentation.
- Each artist will be assigned a site alongside a short loop trail to install their artwork in the Nature Preserve at Wetlands Park. The site will be marked by a flag, and the artwork must be installed within a six-foot radius of this location.
- Artwork must be installed between dawn and dusk on Friday, March 13, 2026. Staff will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM PST in the Wetlands Park Nature Center if the artist has any questions or concerns about installation. Artists are highly encouraged to visit the site well in advance of installation day.
- Artist must be flexible on their ideas and open to adjustments if there are problems with the installation.
- Artist must attend the Art Social on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST, and be prepared to give brief informal artist talks next to their installation. The Art Social will be free and open to the public.
- Artist must remove their artwork between dawn and dusk on Friday, May 15, 2026. The $1000 stipend will not be issued unless the artist completely removes all traces of their installation. Staff will be available between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM PST if the artist has any questions or concerns about deinstallation.
Timeline overview:
- Application workshop: Saturday, December 13 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM PST and Saturday, January 10 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM PST
- Recording of December 13 application workshop: https://youtu.be/TKUdKHnV-Q4
- Workshop required: applicants will be given a keyword to include in their submission (given near end of recording)
- Application deadline: Sunday, February 1, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
- Applicants notified: Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Installation day: Friday, March 13, 2026 (park open from dawn to dusk)
- Art Social: Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST.
- Required: artists must be prepared to give brief informal artist talks next to their installation; artists will be asked to stand near their artwork and engage with the public from 10:00 to 11:00 AM; chairs can be requested.
- During this time, a Wetlands Park staff person will go around and record each artist’s brief artist talk, to be posted on Clark County Parks & Recreation social media as well as its website.
- Exhibit dates: Saturday, March 14 through Friday, May 15, 2025
- Deinstallation day: Saturday, May 16, 2025
Artwork Guidelines:
- Artwork must address the themes addressed in the call. Be creative, unique, engaging, and age appropriate.
- Artwork must be temporary. We highly encourage recycled or upcycled materials.
- Small components that are unsecured and likely to be carried away by wind or animals are forbidden. Artwork must be singular and safely contained.
- Artwork must not contain anything perishable or edible.
- Artwork must be built for a lifespan of 62 days. If artwork becomes damaged or unsightly, the artist will be asked to make repairs or remove the work. If damaged or loose artwork presents a hazard, it may be removed by Park staff and the artist will be responsible for collection or safe reinstallation. Artists will receive the full $1000 stipend even if the artwork does not last throughout the 62-day period.
- Artwork must be installed within a six-foot radius of the assigned installation site (marked by a flag). The installation footprint cannot exceed twelve feet in its longest dimension.
- Artwork may not obstruct the trail.
- Artwork must not be more than six feet tall.
- Artwork must be secured to the site. Metal stakes are acceptable on the ground.
- Wetlands Park is a natural area; art pieces should not require level ground or delicate balance.
- Artwork may not be suspended from or affixed to trees without direct approval from Wetlands Park staff.
- Ground disturbances (digging, moving rocks) are not allowed without direct approval from Wetlands Park staff.
- No materials should be sourced from the Wetlands Park. Do not take or disturb the natural elements without approval from Wetlands Staff.
- Artwork should be created to be viewed during daylight hours only. No lighting, or lighted elements are permitted.
- Artwork must be hand carried or brought in on a non-motorized cart. Vehicular access will not be authorized on trails in the park. (The designated installation sites are near the main parking lot.)
GOALS:
The successful proposal will address the project theme in an inventive and original way.
PROCESS:
Applications will be evaluated according to the goal listed above by a committee of Wetlands Park staff. The top ten scored applications will enter into an agreement with Clark County.
PROJECT BUDGET:
The commission shall not exceed $1000. This price shall cover all costs of the project to include but not be limited to artist’s fees, travel, design, storage, materials, supplies, repair, etc.
Payment will be mailed to the artist 30 days after completing the requirements for the project.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS & Evaluation Criteria:
- Application Form Submit your application using the above Submittable form. In addition to some basic personal information, you will also need the following materials:
- Letter of Intent Provide a Letter of Intent describing your installation and how you plan to interpret the theme. Feel free to include sketches and diagrams that will help evaluators visualize your proposal.
- Portfolio Artist must submit 5-10 examples of previous artwork that is relevant to this project. List the title, location, year, dimensions, material, and a description (if context is necessary) on each page. Artwork that contains offensive language, overtly political, religious and/or sexual content of imagery, including nudity, and copyright infringement shall not be considered.
- CV Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume, up to two (2) pages. List any gallery and public art experience, if applicable. We are especially interested in seeing evidence that you can follow through on installations and other large projects.
Reach out to staff before the deadline for help if you are having problems completing the application form.
Application must be completed and submitted by Sunday, February 1, 2026 by 11:59 PM PST
If you have additional application questions, please contact
- TO: daniel.ogletree@gmail.com or wetlandsart@clarkcountynv.gov
- Subject: SOUND: Wetlands Art Installation