26th 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 funded entirely by corporate and individual donors.

For the 26th annual exhibition, 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, and inclusion of a diverse range of media and perspectives. All works will be evaluated for stability by a structural engineer. 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. Works should be suitable for placement in a setting 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 (up to seven nights for muralists) and on the evening of the exhibition opening reception, and are eligible for juror awards ($10,000 first place, $2,500 second place, $1,000 third place, $500 honorable mention) and a $1,000 People's Choice Award. Additional opportunity grants 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. Exhibition dates: Selection notification March 20, 2024; artwork installation May 13-24, 2024; exhibition opening reception June 6, 2024; exhibition ends May 2025. Entry fee is $15 per application; the first application fee is waived with code AOTS2024.