Open call Details
INTRODUCTION
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.
PROCESS
4 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 the design, labor, fabrication, project management, materials, tools, contracted services, operations, and travel required to complete the artwork, plus installation, insurance, and transportation and delivery of the work to the site. Any expense that exceeds the contracted amount will be the artist’s responsibility.
DATES
August 2, 2024: Submission deadline
August 8, 2024: Notification of Finalists
October 1, 2024: Finalist proposals due
December 1, 2024: Finalist announced
SITE CONSIDERATIONS
The Iron Spring Geyser was drilled in 1910 by Joseph G. Heistand. For more on its history, please visit https://mineralspringsfoundation.org/springs/iron-spring-geyser/. Its current font has deteriorated, and the Mineral Springs Foundation would like to install a new one. 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 (see photos linked below). 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 — care must be taken to prevent excess water splashing outside of the catch basin. The water is mineral-rich, and therefore consideration must be taken with materials. Possible materials include corten steel, stainless steel, bronze, and stone. A Mineral Springs Foundation representative with intimate knowledge of the plumbing of the spring will be available for consultation and collaboration during the finalists’ design process. Please see photos of the current Iron Spring Font, as well as other spring fonts in Manitou Springs at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EmiqfTi7SkIzg8WIaCl04jjNHFwORC8n?usp=sharing for reference.
For any questions on the site, please contact Audrey Gray at
[email protected]
SELECTION PROCESS
Submissions will be reviewed by a jury composed of members of CRANE and the Mineral Springs Foundation. Finalist submissions will be presented to the community for feedback, and reviewed by members of CRANE and the Mineral Springs Foundation.
Jury members will be considering aesthetic merit, engineering, community feedback, and budget when selecting the final design.
Application Requirements
3-8 Images of past works
Resume/CV
Artist Statement
Sample budget (from a previous project)
References of at least three professionals (commissioning agency or organization, design or arts professional, engineer, etc.) who have a detailed knowledge of the artist’s work and working methods. Include contact name, telephone number, and email for each reference.
Letter of interest
Requirements
Event Dates:
Fees