News

Sierra Arts has noticed the renewed need for a youth program based on the principles of an organization founded by Sierra Arts, Nevada Museum of Art and the Reno Police Department (RPD), and first managed by Sierra Arts some 17 years ago, called Youth ArtWorks (YAW). New Public Works (NPW) is our program response to this need for a summer youth art education and employment project. YAW sought to address the defacing of property by disenfranchised teens spreading graffiti. Again, working with dedicated community partners, Sierra Arts will manage a program this summer, which educates youth using discipline-based arts education, trains them on potential art careers, and enriches our community. Built on an apprenticeship model, New Public Works addresses the need for community involvement, on-the-job training, and social and artistic development for area youths.  This is a joint community partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of the Truckee Meadows, Innovations High School and the Reno Police Department.

New Public Works hires teenage apprentices for summer employment, trains them in an artistic skill, gives them tools for professionalism in the workplace, and celebrates their accomplishment with a public dedication ceremony for their work. The art will clean up unsightly areas, reduce graffiti and criminal activity at the site, and bring a reflection of local culture and public pride to the neighborhood.

Along with the Virginia St. Bridge Project, murals will also be created at Innovations High School, Kids Kottage, Rainshadow High School and a clean up and repair of the Hole In One mural on the Plumas Tennis Courts.