On behalf of the Manitou Springs Urban Renewal Authority, Creative Alliance Manitou Springs (CRANE) is seeking an artist or art team to create a permanent outdoor art installation at the Beckers Lane Bridge (on Beckers Lane between Manitou Avenue and El Paso Boulevard). Our goal is to engage residents and visitors with exceptional artwork that activates the streetscape and encourages exploration without obstructing sidewalk use.

Site Specifications
There are 7 panels total with varying lengths, though all are 23” in height. Artwork depth should extend into the sidewalk no more than 4”. The panels available for installation are poured concrete forms with the following measurements:

West Side of the bridge (on the left facing Fields Park):

• 11’ 8” x 23"
• 14’ 8” x 23"
• 14’ 8” x 23"

East Side of the bridge (on the right facing Fields Park):

• 11’ 8” x 23"
• 14’ 1” x 23"
• 14’ 8” x 23"
• 12’ 3” x 23"

Application Requirements

 All proposals must include the following materials:

• Artist Statement and Resume - not to exceed two pages. Art teams must submit a resume for each member.
• Images of prior work (minimum 1 and up to 3) that demonstrate Artist’s technique and ability to create site-specific work.
• Letter of Interest (not to exceed two pages) describing artist’s interest in and suitableness for the proposed project. Letter should include the proposed process and timeline, reasoning behind design choices, and experience relating to the project.
• Sketches and description of proposed Bridge project in a .jpg, .pdf, or .png file format, no more than 3 images.
• References - Please submit three current references to including phone and email contact information as part of the project description.
• Proposed budget.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists and art teams based in the United States are eligible to apply. The proposed artwork must reflect and enhance the environmental and/or cultural context of the bridge and the surrounding neighborhood.

• The artwork must be made of durable, permanent media that is safe for permanent installation and requires little maintenance.
• The artwork must be site-specific and properly scaled to the bridge.
• Artists are encouraged to create an interactive kinetic, sound, or other dynamic experience through the artwork. The artist’s vision is not limited to a singular piece and can function across the bridge site.
• Proposals for artwork that connects with the natural setting around the bridge are especially welcome.

Selection Criteria - The selection of finalists will be based on the following criteria:

• Artistic merit, originality, and creativity as evidenced by prior and proposed artwork.
• Professional experience delivering projects of similar scale, scope and budget.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake the design, creation, and installation of the artwork within the timeline.
• Artwork that requires little or no maintenance.
• Artwork that incorporates the environment surrounding the bridge.
• Artistic style that is complementary to community and stakeholder values.
• Appropriateness of materials, style, scale and concepts in relation to the site and to the City of Manitou Springs.
• Proposed budget appropriate to scope of the project.