The College of Fine Arts is thrilled to partner with The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas to present Diversity in Art | A Celebration of Las Vegas, a contest seeking ambitious local artists who wish to continue their education in the arts to create an original mural about what makes Las Vegas unique and diverse. The site-specific mural will join the resort’s art collection. The selected artist will also be granted a four-year scholarship to UNLV to further their art education, paid in full by The Cosmopolitan. 

Charitable giving has remained a major pillar within The Cosmopolitan’s ethos for over a decade, putting forth more than $5.6 million in charitable donations towards learning and student enrichment, food and hunger relief, diversity and inclusion, military and veteran support, first responders and accessible art. An extensive program unlike any other on the Strip, the resort’s approachable and guest-facing art program removes the velvet ropes and allows guests to interact and immerse themselves with the contemporary installations while fostering a greater awareness and appreciation for the arts.

Through this exclusive partnership with the College of Fine Arts, the resort seamlessly incorporates its art program with its charitable focus on diversity and inclusion by asking aspiring local artists to enter for the chance to create a mural depicting the thriving and diverse Las Vegas community. The mural will be displayed in the back-of-house employee entrance.

"We in the College of Fine Arts at UNLV are very grateful to The Cosmopolitan for partnering with our college in a mural competition to create a permanent art exhibition celebrating diversity and inclusion. The concept is inspiring and so very important for the Las Vegas community,” said Nancy J. Uscher, dean of Fine Arts. “I want to acknowledge the transformative impact that a full scholarship from The Cosmopolitan will have on the life of a young artist from Clark County. We are truly honored to be a part of this deeply meaningful community collaboration."  

Submissions are open from Sept. 22-Oct. 15.  Local artists can submit five to 10 sample artworks, one letter of recommendation, and a one-page personal statement detailing their history and love for Las Vegas; what makes Las Vegas unique and diverse and why they are looking to further their education in the arts. 

On Oct. 29, the 10 finalists will be notified. Final sketch submissions are due Nov. 19, and a winner will be announced Dec. 10.