Art on the Avenue 2025

Art on the Avenue (AOA) is Manitou Springs' public art program administered by Creative Alliance Manitou Springs (CRANE). The program displays rotating sculptures, murals, and works to increase Manitou's public art collection. In 2025, CRANE will install 3 sculptures on 2-year contracts and 2 permanent murals.

Compensation includes $2,000 per sculpture, $6,100 for Creekwalk Mural #1, and $13,500 for Creekwalk Mural #2. All selected artists are eligible for awards given at year's end: $1,500 CRANE Art Excellence Juror Award and $1,000 People's Choice Award. The submission deadline is May 1, 2025, with selection notification on May 22, 2025, and artwork installation June-August 2025. Sculpture contracts run for 2 years (through June-August 2027).

AOA is exhibited outdoors in Manitou Springs, accessible to the public 24/7 and subject to extreme sun, strong winds, freezing/moisture, and rapid temperature fluctuations. Four sculpture sites are available with varying pedestal dimensions and height restrictions (ranging from 3' to 11' maximum height). Two mural sites are available: Manitou Springs Pool and Fitness Center (65' x 2', 130 square feet) and Adam's Mountain Cafe (300 square feet). Both mural sites require protective and graffiti-resistant coatings applied by the artist, who must provide their own supplies. The Adam's Mountain Cafe mural also requires the artist to provide a boom or lift. Applications require 1-3 images, a $5 entry fee, work description, installation plan (for sculptures), resume/CV, and artist statement or website link. Artists must be 18 years or older and are eligible nationwide. Selection is based primarily on artistic merit, with secondary consideration given to installation logistics, maintenance and safety concerns, and diversity of media and perspectives.