24th 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 gallery of sculpture, mural, performance and installation works. More than 300 works have been exhibited Downtown since AOTS began in 1998, and the district is home to more than 50 permanent works, over 40 of which have been purchased through AOTS. AOTS is managed as a program of Downtown Ventures, a nonprofit nongovernmental organization. The program is funded entirely by corporate and individual donors.

For the 24th annual exhibit, 12 artists will be selected by a three-member jury panel. 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. All works will be evaluated for stability by a structural engineer contracted by Downtown Ventures. Art on the Streets is open to artists worldwide and encourages sculpture, murals, interactive and multimedia works suitable for outdoor display. 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.

Selected artists receive a $2,000 honorarium, complimentary lodging during installation and the opening reception, and are eligible for awards totaling up to $16,000 including a $10,000 Juror Award, $2,500 second place, $1,000 third place, $500 honorable mention, $1,000 People's Choice Award, and $1,000 Social Impact Prize. Up to $2,000 in opportunity grants are available for artists from underrepresented demographics including women, nonbinary individuals, artists who are Black, Indigenous and/or people of color, and artists with disabilities. Installation occurs May 16-27, 2022, with the opening reception on June 2, 2022. The exhibit runs through May 2023. Entry fee is $25 with a limit of 10 applications per artist. Submit 1-3 images, artist's statement, narrative description of proposed work, installation plan, and resume/CV.