RFQ Spirit of Manitou

Creative Alliance Manitou Springs (CRANE) is selecting an artist to design and produce a monumental sculpture at 134 Manitou Avenue in Manitou Springs. CRANE exists to elevate creatives and support artistic and economic vitality in Manitou Springs. Funding has generously been provided by the Manitou Springs Urban Renewal Authority (MSURA). 

Creative Alliance Manitou Springs (CRANE) is selecting an artist to design and produce a monumental sculpture at 134 Manitou Avenue in Manitou Springs. CRANE exists to elevate creatives and support artistic and economic vitality in Manitou Springs. Funding has generously been provided by the Manitou Springs Urban Renewal Authority (MSURA). Installation expected in 2026.

DATES

August 21, 2025: Submission deadline

September 12, 2025: Notification of Finalists

October 31, 2025: Finalist proposals due

November, 2025 (TBD): Finalist in-person presentations in Manitou Springs

December 1, 2025: Finalist announced

COMPENSATION

Three or four finalists will receive $500 to supply a project proposal, including a detailed budget, sketches, and maquette. Project budget must cover all expenses associated with, but not limited to, the design, labor, fabrication, project management, materials, tools, contracted services, operations and meetings, and travel required to complete the artwork, plus installation, insurance, transportation and delivery of the work to the site, as well as documentation of the completed project. Any expense that exceeds the contracted amount will be the artist’s responsibility. The chosen finalist will receive $40,000 for the fabrication and installation of the sculpture in installments beginning upon contract signing, and ending upon installation.

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

The final sculpture will be placed on a 65” diameter pedestal at the Dillon Mobility Hub at 134 Manitou Avenue. This location is near the intersection of Highway 24 and Manitou Avenue. The location, once complete, will encompass parking, a shuttle stop, public restrooms, and a connection to the Manitou Creekwalk Trail, and is a significant gateway into Manitou Springs. Please see photos for location and surroundings. The pedestal is approximately 30 feet from the historic Dillon Motel sign, which measures 16’ tall by 11’ wide. Currently, the pedestal is raised above grade, but when the site is finalized, it will be even with or only slightly above grade.

SELECTION PROCESS

Submissions will be reviewed by a jury composed of local arts leaders, who will choose three or four finalists to complete project proposals. Finalist submissions will be presented to the community for feedback, and reviewed by members of CRANE’s art committee, who will select a winner.

Jury members will be considering aesthetic merit, sense of place, engineering, public safety, and community feedback as they make their selection.

For any questions on the site or project, please contact Audrey Gray at director@manitouspringscd.org

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

3-8 Images of past works

Resume/CV

Artist Statement

References of at least three professionals (commissioning agency or organization, design or arts professional, engineer, etc.) who have a detailed knowledge of the artist’s work and working methods. Include contact name, telephone number, and email for each reference. 

Letter of interest

Artists must (at the time of application):  

Be eighteen (18) years of age or older 

Be a U.S. Citizen or demonstrate the ability to legally work and enter into an agreement in the United States of America.  

Demonstrate experience doing public art installation work.