25th Annual Art on the Streets Colorado Springs

Art on the Streets (AOTS) celebrates the power of art in public places, turning the streets of Downtown Colorado Springs into a yearlong outdoor gallery of sculptures, murals, and installations. More than 300 works have been exhibited Downtown since AOTS began in 1998, and the creative 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—no public funds are used.

For the 25th 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. While sculpture tends to dominate the entry pool, other types of art suitable for outdoor display are encouraged, including murals as well as interactive and multimedia works. AOTS also has the ability to work with artists on larger and/or site-specific installations.

Selected artists receive a $2,000 honorarium, complimentary lodging during installation (up to seven nights for muralists) and on the evening of the exhibition opening reception. All selected artists are eligible for juror awards: $10,000 (First Place), $2,500 (Second Place), $1,000 (Third Place), $500 (Honorable Mention), and $1,000 (People's Choice Award). Additional opportunity grant funds totaling $2,000 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. Entry fee is $25. Submission deadline: February 22, 2023. Selection notification: March 18, 2023. Artwork installation: May 15-26, 2023. Exhibition Opening Reception: June 1, 2023. Exhibition ends May 2024. Works are exhibited outdoors throughout the 40-square-block urban environment of Downtown Colorado Springs and must be suitable for placement accessible to the public 24/7 and subject to extreme sun, strong winds, freezing/moisture, and rapid fluctuations between hot and cold.