28th 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 the Downtown Colorado Springs Creative District, a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization funded entirely by corporate and individual donors.

The program 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. Ten artists will be selected by a three-member jury panel based on artistic merit as the primary criterion, with secondary criteria including installation logistics, maintenance and safety concerns, and inclusion of diverse media and perspectives. All works will be evaluated for stability by a structural engineer.

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 ranging from $10,000 (First Place) to $500 (Honorable Mention), plus a $1,000 People's Choice Award. Additional opportunity grants totaling $2,000 are available for artists from underrepresented demographics. Exhibition dates: May 18-29, 2026 for installation; June 4, 2026 for opening reception; June 5, 2026 for public launch; May 2027 for exhibition end. Artwork submissions wholly or partly generated by Generative AI are not eligible. Entry fee is $15 per application; the first application fee is waived with code AOTS2026.