Spirit of Manitou Springs Sculptures

On behalf of the Manitou Springs Urban Renewal Authority, Creative Alliance Manitou Springs (CRANE) is seeking proposals from artists or art teams to create permanent sculpture installations at two locations: El Colorado Lodge (23 Manitou Avenue, 80829) and Lulu's Downstairs (107 Manitou Avenue, 80829). Proposals for Lulu's Downstairs must fit on the existing 6' pedestal. A pedestal or appropriate support will be built at El Colorado Lodge based on the chosen artwork's needs. The goal is to engage residents and visitors with exceptional artwork that activates the streetscape and encourages exploration. Chosen art should exemplify the "Spirit of Manitou" with preference given to pieces that reference Manitou Springs' history, natural environment, and character.

The project budget is $40,000 per sculpture, which must encompass design, fabrication, materials, engineering review, shipping, contract labor, installation, insurance, travel expenses, final documentation, and incidental expenses. Artists are responsible for delivering the proposed artwork within budget. The artwork must be made of durable, permanent media that is safe for permanent installation and requires little maintenance. Media and style are open to the artist's vision, and the artwork must be site-specific and properly scaled to the location. Installation must be completed no later than September 30, 2022.

Proposals must include: artist resume (not to exceed two pages; art teams must submit a resume for each member), up to 3 images of prior work demonstrating technique and ability to create site-specific work, a letter of interest (not to exceed two pages) describing the artist's interest and suitability for the project including proposed process and timeline, sketches and description of proposed sculpture (up to 3 images in .jpg, .pdf, or .png format), and three current references with phone and email contact information. Entry fee is $5.00 with a maximum of 3 applications allowed per artist. An expert panel of community stakeholders and professionals will evaluate proposals and identify 4 finalists who will present to the panel and broader community. Finalists will be paid a $500 stipend. The panel and community will provide recommendations to the CRANE Public Art Committee, which will select the final winner. Selection criteria include artistic merit, originality and creativity, professional experience with similar projects, demonstrated ability to complete work within timeline, low-maintenance requirements, artistic style complementary to community values, and appropriateness of materials, style, scale and concepts to the site and city.