Douglas County Seeks Sculptors for 2026 Art Encounters Program with $1,500 Stipend

Douglas County posted a call for sculptors to apply to the county’s long-running Art Encounters public art program, inviting local and national artists to submit finished work or works-in-progress for outdoor, year-long display. Selected installations will be placed in high-visibility locations across Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker and Roxborough and will be displayed from May 2026 through May 2027.

The program, created by citizen arts advocates in 2007, aims to place temporary sculptures in public spaces to broaden access to the arts beyond traditional galleries. The county said selected artists will receive a $1,500 stipend for participation. Local funding partners include the Douglas County Cultural Council and Douglas County Libraries, with the Town of Castle Rock’s Philip S. Miller Trust supporting Castle Rock placements.

Applications must be submitted online via ArtCall or CAFÉ by Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Artists may propose permanent-feel works suitable for outdoor display or pieces that arrive as works-in-progress, with the understanding that siting and safety requirements will govern final placement and installation procedures.

By placing sculptures in parks, plazas and other highly visible settings, the program seeks to activate public space and create shared cultural touchpoints across neighborhoods. Public art can contribute to community well-being by encouraging outdoor activity, creating meeting places and reflecting diverse perspectives. For Douglas County, which spans suburban and semi-rural communities, the Art Encounters program offers a visible way to connect residents in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker and Roxborough through walking routes, civic plazas and library grounds.

The stipend, while modest, represents direct financial support to artists and helps offset materials, transport and installation costs that often fall on creators. Partnering agencies such as the Douglas County Cultural Council and Douglas County Libraries provide administrative and logistical backing that helps lower barriers to participation for artists who may lack institutional relationships or gallery representation.

For residents, the rotating exhibition promises free, accessible encounters with sculpture across multiple towns, with the potential to diversify everyday landscapes and spark conversation. For local policymakers and arts advocates, the program demonstrates a continued investment in placemaking and cultural programming that complements library services and civic trust funding.

Artists interested in applying should complete submissions on ArtCall or CAFÉ by Feb. 27, 2026. Look for installations to appear in public spaces beginning May 2026 and remain on view through May 2027, offering a full year of community engagement and outdoor art experiences.