Iron Spring Font RFQ

The Manitou Springs Mineral Springs Foundation is partnering with Creative Alliance Manitou Springs (CRANE) to select an artist to design a new font for Iron Spring on Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs. The Mineral Springs Foundation's mission is to restore, protect and publicize the natural mineral springs and to document their historic origins. CRANE exists to elevate creatives and support artistic and economic vitality in Manitou Springs.

The Iron Spring Geyser was drilled in 1910 by Joseph G. Heistand. Its current font has deteriorated, and a new one is needed. The vault housing the spring measures 57" in diameter, is 35" tall, and cannot be altered, but can be clad or wrapped. Access to the plumbing within the vault must be retained. Designs can extend a maximum of 60" above the vault. The catch basin's drain must remain within the sphere of the vault, and there must be no more than 18" between the faucet and the catch basin. The water is mineral-rich, requiring careful material selection. Possible materials include corten steel, stainless steel, bronze, and stone. A Mineral Springs Foundation representative with intimate knowledge of the plumbing will be available for consultation during the finalists' design process.

Four finalists will receive $500 each to supply a project proposal, including detailed budget and sketches or maquette. Final project budgets of $20,000 to $100,000 will be considered. Project budget must cover all expenses associated with design, labor, fabrication, project management, materials, tools, contracted services, operations, and travel required to complete the artwork, plus installation, insurance, and transportation and delivery to the site. Any expense exceeding the contracted amount will be the artist's responsibility. Submissions will be reviewed by a jury composed of members of CRANE and the Mineral Springs Foundation. Jury members will consider aesthetic merit, engineering, community feedback, and budget when selecting the final design. Finalist submissions will be presented to the community for feedback.

Application Requirements: 3-8 images of past works, resume/CV, artist statement, sample budget from a previous project, and references of at least three professionals with detailed knowledge of the artist's work and working methods (include contact name, telephone number, and email for each reference), and a letter of interest. Eligibility: Artists must be eighteen years of age or older, be a U.S. Citizen or demonstrate the ability to legally work and enter into an agreement in the United States, demonstrate experience doing public art installation work, and be a resident of Colorado. Submission deadline: August 2, 2024. Notification of finalists: August 8, 2024. Finalist proposals due: October 1, 2024. Final announcement: December 1, 2024.