Call for Artists: Lunar New Year Exhibition Year of the Horse

Issue Date: July 16, 2025 9:00 AM

Issue Date: December 30, 2025 6:00 PM

VISION AND MISSION 

The city of Las Vegas illuminates arts and culture and celebrates the bold, dynamic, and diverse community through providing access to artworks within city spaces and outdoors in the public realm. The city of Las Vegas' Public Art and Gallery Program serves valley residents and visitors, celebrating the city's extraordinary character, by acquiring and displaying artworks in public spaces and supporting community-led public art efforts.

DESCRIPTION

The city of Las Vegas Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs invites artists to submit work for the Lunar New Year Art Exhibition 2026, celebrating the Year of the Horse. This exhibition will feature traditional and contemporary works inspired by the cultural and symbolic meanings of the Horse, which represents freedom, strength, endurance, and forward momentum.

Selected artists will have the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Mayor’s Gallery. The exhibition will be open to the public from February through April 2026. All media is welcome for consideration.

Click here to learn more about the theme Year of the Horse and guest juror Ailene Pasco.

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION

All artists, eighteen years of age or older, who can qualify to work for the city of Las Vegas shall be considered, excluding current city of Las Vegas employees. The exhibition will be juried by Ailene Pasco, a Las Vegas-based artist, educator, and public art coordinator.

Ailene Pasco is a Filipino-American artist and Public Art Project Coordinator with the Clark County Public Arts Office. Born in Imus Cavite, Philippines, and raised in California, Ailene’s work is rooted in themes of cultural identity, community, and sustainability. With a BA in Sculpture from UNLV and extensive experience in both fiber art and public art education, Ailene brings a thoughtful and inclusive perspective to the jury process. Her practice emphasizes social impact, community engagement, and upcycled materials.

Submissions containing graphic depictions of violence, sexually explicit imagery, and/or nudity are highly discouraged. If selected, artists are responsible for all shipping and delivery costs. Shipped artwork must include a prepaid return shipping label and arrive by the artwork delivery deadline. The city of Las Vegas is not responsible for return shipping arrangements or late deliveries.

BUDGET

This is a non-stipend exhibition; however, artists will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their works to the public. Art sales are encouraged, and the city does not take a commission from the sales.

GALLERY INFORMATION

Historic Fifth Street School, Mayor's Gallery, 401 S. 4th St., Las Vegas, NV 89101

TO APPLY

Click here to submit your application for the Year of the Horse Lunar New Year Exhibition. Artists are asked to submit the following documents and supporting materials electronically:

• Artist Statement: Please provide a written description of your artistic practice. The statement is for and in support of the artwork to provide the viewer with a greater understanding of the work.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Please provide relevant employment, exhibition records, and information detailing your experience in the field of art.
• Images and Descriptions of Artworks: Please provide up to three (3) images of completed works of art. Image citations should include title, media, dimensions, price, and year completed. Only one submission will be accepted per artist. Artworks must be completed at the time of submission to be considered.

SCHEDULE:

Call for Artists Opens: Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Call for Artists Closes: Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Notifications Issued: Friday, January 16, 2026

Artwork Delivery: Monday, February 2, 2026

Exhibition Opens: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Exhibition Closes: Friday, April 24, 2026

Artwork Pickup: Monday, April 27, 2026

QUESTIONS?
We’re here to help! Please email if you have any questions.

Holly Lay, Visual Arts Specialist II
City of Las Vegas Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 702 229-3278 or Email: hlay@lasvegasnevada.gov

Click here to submit your application for the Year of the Horse Lunar New Year Exhibition.