Art on the Avenue 2026

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. In 2026, CRANE will install 4-5 sculptures on 2-year contracts.

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. In 2026, CRANE will install 4-5 sculptures on 2-year contracts.

DATES

May 11, 2026: Submission deadline

May 18, 2026: Selection notification to artists

June 2, 2026: Selections approved by City Council

June-August, 2026: Artwork installation

June-August 2028: Contracts for sculptures end

COMPENSATION

$2,000 per sculpture. All selected artists are also eligible for the people’s choice award ($500), presented at the end of the year.

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 2026, we will be installing 4-5 sculptures. 

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

Site 1 - Pedestal at Seven Minute Spring Park on El Paso Blvd. Pedestal measures 32”  in diameter - piece must be able to be secured to the concrete pedestal. Max height 5’. See site plan for photo.

Site 2 - Pedestal at Cheyenne Spring, 932 Manitou Ave. Pedestal measures 18” in diameter - piece must be able to be secured to the pedestal’s weld plate. Max height 7'. See site plan for photo.

Site 3 - Pedestal at Shoshone Spring Pocket Park, 902 Manitou Ave. Pedestal measures 24” x 24”. Piece must be able to be affixed to the weld plate. Max height 3.5’. See site plan for photo.

Site 4 - Small pedestal at Seven Minute Spring Park on El Paso Blvd. Piece must be able to be affixed to the metal of the pedestal. Pedestal measures 12” in diameter. See site plan for photo.

Site 5 - Small pedestal at Seven Minute Spring Park on El Paso Blvd. Piece must be able to be affixed to the metal of the pedestal. Pedestal measures 8” x 30”. See site plan for photo.

Site 6 - Roundabout at Manitou Ave and Serpentine Dr. Pedestal measures 60” in diameter. Piece must be able to be affixed to the concrete pedestal. Max height 15’. See site plan for photo.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

1-3 Images

Application fee

Description of Proposed Work
Include title, physical description, medium, dimensions (H x W x D in inches), weight (in pounds), and prices for permanent acquisition and insurance replacement (in USD). 

*Please note which Pedestal 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

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

SELECTION PROCESS

For 2026, 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.