Sculpture Missoula Call for Public Sculpture 2026

Sculpture Missoula is seeking five new sculptures for installation in our sculpture garden in Missoula’s most beloved 15‑acre riverside park—a place where art, nature, and community meet.  This multi‑year program is building a dynamic collection: five works were installed in 2025, five more will debut this year, with another five in 2027 and beyond. Selected artists will exhibit their work for a two‑year period, contributing to a rotating showcase that encourages repeat visits and fresh encounters. All works will be for sale during the two-year period and hopefully be donated back to the park for permanent exhibition.

Sculpture Missoula is seeking five new sculptures for installation in our sculpture garden in Missoula’s most beloved 15‑acre riverside park—a place where art, nature, and community meet.  This multi‑year program is building a dynamic collection: five works were installed in 2025, five more will debut this year, with another five in 2027 and beyond. Selected artists will exhibit their work for a two‑year period, contributing to a rotating showcase that encourages repeat visits and fresh encounters. All works will be for sale during the two-year period (and hopefully be donated back to the park for permanent exhibition).

The 15-acre park is situated on the banks of the Clark Fork River adjacent to downtown, on an historic site previously used as a sawmill. Sculpture will be placed along the meandering paths of the park that are linked to the city’s trail system and easily accessed by visitors to Missoula and the city’s neighborhoods. 

All five of the selected artists who installed their work in 2025 commented on how much they enjoyed their experience in Missoula during installation week, and how impressed they were with the tremendous community support. 

About Missoula and Silver Park:

Missoula is a cultural haven with a vibrant art scene, nestled in a picturesque valley where three rivers meet and surrounding mountains offer endless outdoor activities.  It is also the home of the University of Montana. 

Silver Park is a beautiful outdoor destination located right in the heart of Missoula, offering a variety of recreational activities including hiking/biking trails, architecturally unique picnic shelters, boat launch, parking, accessible public restrooms, scenic views, and easy access from Missoula’s neighborhoods and trail system.

2026 Timetable:

• May 22: Submission deadline
• June 12: Jury selection and artist notification
• Week of September 14: Installation
• September 16: Private Artist Reception
• September 17: Public Installation Reception in the Park

Budget:  

• $2,000 stipend ($1000 on delivery; $1000 upon retrieval)
• Plus up to $250 for shipping/travel expenses
• Plus accommodation for up to four nights for receptions during the September 2026 installation.
• $1000 to the winner of the People’s Choice Award, to be conducted soon after installation.

About Sculpture Missoula:

Sculpture Missoula is a local 501©3 non-profit organization. This sculpture exhibition is made possible via an Agreement between Sculpture Missoula and the City of Missoula to install sculptures in Silver Park per terms that recognize the integrity and importance of the park, ensure the safety of the public and public property, and are ADA accessible.

Sculpture Missoula will regularly bring public attention to the displayed sculptures via in-person tours, civic events, website promotion and QR codes displayed on each sculpture that will bring users to our featured artist window on our website. 

• Application Form: IMPORTANT: This application represents ONE artwork sculpture, with 3 to 5 views of the work. If you wish to enter additional artworks, submit the first application, check out, and then return to "Apply to Calls" and choose APPLY AGAIN TO THIS CALL. Repeat the process for up to three applications (works).
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Images: 3-5 photographs of each work should accompany the application. JPEG format is preferred. Videos are also acceptable.

We encourage submissions of various styles and materials. All durable exterior materials will be considered.  Installation activities must have minimal impact on site disturbance and park activities.

• Artistic Merit:  Submissions are expected to be of high-quality, demonstrate originality, artistic excellence and vision.
• No work will be accepted that advocates for a specific religion or political party.
• Sculptures must be durable and able to withstand Missoula’s climate—wind, rain, snow, and below zero temperatures.
• The work must not have features that could cause injury to a person coming in contact with it.
• All work must be available for the two-year exhibition and must be available for delivery and installation the week of September 14, 2026. Anticipated public reception is scheduled for September 17. All artists must be present for installation, and ideally for the public reception.