Call Description

Introduction

Douglas County Housing Partnership (DCHP) invites qualified artists and artist teams to submit proposals for the design and installation of an original outdoor mural on the south-facing exterior wall of the building located at 403 Perry Street, Castle Rock, Colorado.

This mural will serve as a commemorative public art project celebrating two historic milestones in 2026:

• The 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, and
• The 150th anniversary of the State of Colorado.

The project aims to honor these anniversaries while reflecting Castle Rock’s unique identity, history, and role within both the state and the nation.

Project Goals

Artists are encouraged to interpret these themes broadly and creatively, considering historical, cultural, natural, and contemporary perspectives. 

The mural should:

• Celebrate America’s 250th birthday and Colorado’s 150th anniversary in a thoughtful, inclusive, and inspiring manner.
• Reflect Castle Rock’s local history, community values, and connection to broader state and national stories as told through the interviews of the seniors of Castle Rock, CO (must request the stories from the DCHP rep below).
• Be visually engaging and accessible to a wide audience. Think multisensory, not just visual – consider visual clarity for low vision, incorporate tactile elements, color-blind compatibility.
• Can be 3 dimensional – open to dimensional and sculptural elements.
• Enhance the downtown Castle Rock streetscape.
• Demonstrate artistic excellence, creativity, and durability in an outdoor environment.

Site Description

• Location: Southern exterior wall, 403 Perry Street, Castle Rock, CO.  See photo below or drive by for more clarity.
• Visibility: Highly visible to pedestrians and vehicular traffic in the downtown area.
• Surface: South facing concrete wall with five windows, one door and one exterior light.
• Approximate Dimensions: The mural can be as wide as 56’ and as high as 5 stories.   
• Final design approval will be subject to DCHP and Design Review Board approval.

Scope of Work

The selected artist will be responsible for:

• Developing a site-specific mural design aligned with the commemorative interviews of the seniors (must request the stories from the DCHP rep below)
• Coordinating with DCHP on design review and approvals
• Preparing the wall surface as required
• Providing all labor, materials, equipment, and protective coatings
• Include the official 250/150 logo in the mural
• Installing the mural within the approved timeline
• Participating in project-related dedication event

Budget

The total project budget is up to $10,000 with a payment structure of 30% at selection and design approval with the remaining 70% upon completion.  The budget should include:

• Artist design fee
• Materials and supplies
• Surface preparation
• Equipment and installation
• Travel and lodging (if applicable)
• General Liability Insurance and any other project-related expenses
• Artist warrants that the painted mural will remain free from defects in workmanship and significant paint failure for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion, under normal environmental conditions.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Artistic quality, originality, and clarity of concept
• Strength of connection to the America 250 and Colorado 150 themes
• Relevance to Castle Rock and its community
• Experience with similar-scale or outdoor projects
• Feasibility of timeline and budget

Timeline

• Call for Entry Issued: 2/12/2026
• Questions Due: 3/12/2026
• Entry Deadline: 3/16/2026
• Artist Selection by DCHP Committee: 3/19/2026
• Submit To Design Review Board for the Castle Rock Town Council: 3/25/2026
• Project Installation & Completion: 6/30/2026

Application Requirements

Proposals must include:

• Letter of Interest describing the artist’s interest in the project and approach to the commemorative themes
• Concept Narrative outlining the proposed mural design, symbolism, and connection to America 250 and Colorado 150
• Preliminary Sketch or Visual Concept
• Artist Statement and Resume
• Portfolio of 3–10 examples of relevant past work, including references
• Proposed Timeline for design development, preparation, and installation

Submission Instructions

Proposals can be submitted electronically as a PDF to:

Deborah DeGroff, Development and Asset Manager
Douglas County Housing Partnership
ddegroff@douglas.co.us
Subject Line: Call For Entry – America 250 / Colorado 150 Mural
720-896-0707

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to:

• Visual artists and artist teams
• Local, regional, and national artists
• Artists with demonstrated experience in mural or large-scale public art projects