Call Description

Art on the Avenue (AOA) is Manitou Springs’ public art program, administered by Creative Alliance Manitou Springs (CRANE). Each year, we display new rotating sculptures, place new murals, and work to increase Manitou’s public art collection. In 2025, CRANE will install 3 sculptures on 2-year contracts, as well as 2 permanent murals.

DATES

May 1, 2025: Submission deadline

May 22, 2025: Selection notification to artists

June-August, 2025: Artwork installation

June-August 2027: Contracts for sculptures end

COMPENSATION

$2,000 per sculpture, $6,100 for Creekwalk Mural #1, $13,500 for Creekwalk Mural #2

Prizes: All selected artists are eligible for the following awards, given at the end of the year.

$1,500 CRANE Art Excellence Juror Award

$1,000 People’s Choice Award

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

AOA is exhibited outdoors in Manitou Springs. Works should be suitable for placement in a setting that is accessible to the public 24/7 and subject to extreme sun, strong winds, freezing/moisture, and rapid fluctuations between hot and cold. In 2025, we will be installing 4 sculptures and 2 murals. 

*Please note specifications and include your site preference in your proposal.

Site 1 - (Sculpture) Pedestal at 720 Manitou Avenue. Pedestal measures 24” x 24” - piece must be able to be secured to the pedestal’s weld plate. Max height 3’. See site plan for photo.

Site 2 - (Sculpture) Pedestal at 606 Manitou Avenue. Pedestal measures 18” round - piece must be able to be secured to the pedestal’s weld plate. Max height 7'. See site plan for photo.

Site 3 - (Sculpture) Pedestal at Seven Minute Spring Park on El Paso Blvd. Pedestal measures 30” in diameter. Piece must be able to be affixed to the concrete pedestal base. Max height 11’. See site plan for photo.

Site 4 - (Sculpture) Sidewalk at 484 Manitou Avenue. Piece must be able to be affixed to the concrete. Max height 8', max base 3' x 3'. See site plan for photo.

Site 5 - (Mural) Manitou Springs Pool and Fitness Center, 513 Manitou Avenue, back side facing Creekwalk Trail. 65' x 2' (130 square feet). This location favors storytelling or natural phenomena. Artist must put a protective coating and a graffiti resistant coat on the finished mural. Artist must provide their own supplies (paint, paintbrushes, etc.). See site plan for photo.

Site 6 - (Mural) Adam's Mountain Cafe, 26 Manitou Avenue - back side facing Creekwalk Trail. 300 square feet. Artist must put a protective coating and a graffiti resistant coat on the finished mural. Artist must provide their own supplies (paint, paintbrushes, etc.). Artist must provide boom or other lift. See site plan for photo.

Application Requirements

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

1-3 Images

Application fee

Description of Proposed Work
Include title, physical description, medium, and for sculptures, dimensions (H x W x D in inches), weight (in pounds), and price for permanent acquisition (in USD). For murals, please share a brief description of your proposed subject for the work.

*Please note which Pedestal/Mural site/s you would like to be considered for your work

Installation Plan (sculptures)
Include engineering specifications, all required equipment and supplies, unique considerations for medium of the work, and other significant factors affecting exhibition for an extended period of time. 
IMPORTANT: Since installation logistics form part of the selection criteria (see ‘Selection Process’ under ‘Eligibility’), failure to provide adequate detail in this section may count against eligibility.

Resume/CV

Artist Statement or link to website/social media

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY

Art on the Avenue is open to artists over 18 years of age nationwide. 

SELECTION PROCESS

For 2025, artwork will be selected by a jury panel comprised of the Public Art Committee of CRANE. The primary criterion for selection is artistic merit. Secondary criteria include installation logistics; maintenance and safety concerns including structural integrity, damageability, and theft; and inclusion of a diverse range of media and perspectives.