22nd Annual Art on the Streets (Public Art Exhibit)

Art on the Streets celebrates the power of art in public places, turning the streets of Downtown Colorado Springs into a yearlong outdoor sculpture gallery. More than 300 artworks have been exhibited Downtown since the program began in 1998, and the district is home to more than 50 permanent works, over 30 of which have been purchased through Art on the Streets.

Up to 12 artists will be selected to exhibit. Selected artists each receive a $2,000 honorarium plus two nights of complimentary lodging in Colorado Springs—one night during installation and one during the exhibition's Launch Party. Additional awards include a $10,000 Juror Award, $2,500 Second Place, $1,000 Third Place, $500 Honorable Mention, and a $1,000 People's Choice Award. Artists are selected through a jury process in which artistic quality serves as the primary criterion, with secondary consideration given to installation, maintenance, safety concerns, and diversity of works. All works will be evaluated for stability by a structural engineer. While sculpture tends to dominate entries, other types of public art suitable for outdoor experience are encouraged, including murals, interactive, and multimedia works.

Downtown Colorado Springs is an urban environment with works accessible to the public 24/7. Artists should consider Colorado weather, including extreme sun, strong winds, freezing/moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Selected artwork will be exhibited throughout the 40-square-block Downtown district, with most works clustered in the busiest 10- to 15-block core. Special opportunities include mural sites (visit http://downtowncs.com/muralsites), the Transit Gallery at the Downtown Transit Center with three concrete pedestals of varying dimensions, and an alleyway activation site with suspended wire grid (31' H x 20' W x 31" D, supporting up to 900 lb. per cable). Entry fee is $25.00. Submission deadline is February 10, 2020. Selection notification is March 13, 2020. Installation occurs May 18-29, 2020. Exhibit opening and Launch Party is June 4, 2020. Exhibit closes May 2021.