2026 - 2027 City of Westminster Sculpture on Loan Program

The City of Westminster’s Sculpture on Loan Program provides memorable outdoor art experiences in Historic Westminster and at City Hall. The Vicky Bunsen Sculpture Garden, located in Historic Westminster, is a community jewel that contributes to the cultural identity of the Historic Westminster Arts District. The new Conservation Garden at City Hall features two spaces for sculptures with a botanical and/or nature theme.  

In its tenth year, the City of Westminster's Sculpture on Loan Program provides an opportunity for the community to learn about and enjoy art displayed in the Vicky Bunsen Sculpture Garden Park. New in 2026, are two sculpture sites in the City Hall Conservation Garden.  The Sculpture on Loan Program provides an opportunity for artists to prominently display their artwork in unique areas of the City for the public to enjoy.  

To further the community's goals related to art and culture, the City of Westminster has made significant investments in the both Historic Westminster and City Hall.  These areas have received investments in park amenities, marketing, and community events.  The City markets the areas through the delivery of events designed to attract both local and regional attention which include the Summer Block Party, Art a la Carte, local community artisan festivals, summer history tours, biannual sessions with landscape professionals, and regularly scheduled art walks and community art engagement opportunties.. 

Artists wishing to have their sculpture(s) installed and displayed in these venues should review the following requirements and submit an application along with the requested supplemental materials. Up to fourteen sculptures will be selected for display during the 2026-2027 Sculpture on Loan Program.  Artists may submit more than one application/sculpture for consideration.

Applications for the Sculpture on Loan Program will be reviewed by the City's Cultural Affairs staff and members of the city's Art Selection Panel with respect to materials, overall presentation, aesthetic quality of the artwork, craftsmanship, appropriateness of the artwork, maintenance requirements, and financial considerations.  Additional review and input will be provided by the community at community events and through online engagement methods.

Entries:
Only entries received online through CaFE’ (callforentry.org) will be considered.  

Each application should only contain images of a single piece of artwork.  The minimum number of images is 1; the maximum number of images is 5.  At a minimum photographs must show the front and back viewpoints of the artwork. 

Entry Fees:
Entry fee is $10 per application.

Your email address will be our primary contact. 

Only works selected by the review panel will be displayed.

Artwork Requirements:
Sculptures should be garden size (maximum of 12' in height) with a minimum of 3 feet in one dimension.  The artwork must be designed and fabricated for long-term outdoor durability and ease of maintenance, including strong winds.  Acceptable materials include metal, stone, or similarly durable material; wood will not be accepted. Artwork must be able to be welded to a metal display base.   

Required Information - Artist:

• Name
• Address
• Phone
• Email
• Bio and References.  Other information relevant to the application such as published reviews of artist’s work may also be provided.
• Artist Website
• Artist Gallery Name and Address (if applicable)
• Gallery Website (if applicable)

Required Information - Artwork:

• Sculpture Title
• Description - must include height, weight, length, width, and medium.
• Description of the current condition of the artwork noting any existing breaks, tears, scratches, abrasions, paint losses, or other insecurities or defects in the artwork.
• Value of the Artwork (maximum $75,000)
• Appraisal Certificate and Proof of Authenticity (if available)
• A short description of the inspiration behind the artwork.  This information will be used during the Exhibition Period.
• Period/Date Created
• Edition Size and Number (if applicable)
• Finishes Applied to Surface
• Construction Techniques and Materials
• Description of the base or pedestal and the method of attachment for sculpture.
• Description of any accompanying accessories.
• Name of Current Copyright Owner
• If the artist is the current copyright owner, does the artist intend to transfer the copyright should the artwork be sold?

Display Requirements:
The selected Artwork shall be on display for the duration of the 2026-2027 Sculpture on Loan Program period which is early June 2026 through late May 2027.  If the Artwork is removed (through sale or other reasons), a sculpture of equal or greater value, created by the Artist and approved by Cultural Affairs staff, shall be installed within 7 days of the original sculpture being removed. The Artist will be required to complete a signed Agreement and secure appropriate documentation and insurance for the replacement Artwork.

Sales:
Artworks should be available for purchase. Sales will be encouraged to further the efforts of the artists and to stimulate acquisition of original art by patrons and the public.  

Honorarium:
The artists selected will receive a honorarium of $750 after acceptance and installation of the Artwork.  

Marketing:
The displayed works will be regionally promoted through the use of print and digital platforms.  The artist understands and agrees that these marketing methods shall be used for the period that the Artwork is on display.  The displayed Artwork will also be promoted through events in Historic and Downtown Westminster.

Calendar of Important Dates:
March 9 - Call for Entries Opens
April 3 - Call for Entries Closes
April 6 - April 10 - Review, Community Input, Selection of Artwork
April 14 - Notification of Selection
Early June - Installation - Dates and times TBD
Early June 2026 through early May 2027 - Marketing and Promotion
Mid/Late May 2027 - Deinstallation of Artwork

Eligibility:
Open to all artists regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, or physical or mental ability. Artist teams are eligible to apply, including teams of artists from multiple disciplines.  The jury reserves the right to disqualify any work which they consider to be in poor taste or inappropriate.