Manitou Springs Arts Council seeks to recognize recipients of the Manni award, which honors outstanding community service and the spirit of volunteerism. Manitou Springs Arts Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve, promote and pursue collaboration between artists and the arts community in Manitou Springs. We are budgeting$5,200 for a permanent sculpture in downtown Manitou Springs, valued at $5,200 sculpture to be completed and installed by the end of 2020

The Manni Awards were started in 2014 by the collaboration of the city government, the school district, the Chamber of Commerce, the Manitou Springs Collaborative and the local newspaper. The awards “recognize community leaders and champions who have given outstanding volunteer service and demonstrated the ability  to collaborate and inspire others to manifest Manitou's community visions.”

Each year approximately ten awards are given in the following categories: Lifetime Education, Lifetime Community Champions, Adult Visionary Leadership, Youth Visionary Leadership, CH Rockey Artistic Endeavors, Environmental Stewardship, Business & Economic Vitality, Health & Wellbeing, Civic Achievement, and Public Service.

This project is open to any artist who knows of Manitou Springs’ spirit. Artist will be juried based on their past work and their design image of their three-dimensional art. The artist may propose more than one sculpture for this project.

The artwork must be made of materials that durable and suitable for 75+ years of exposure to weather and outdoor public use (metal, fiberglass, concrete, ceramics, glass etc.). Designs are not limited by style (contemporary or traditional.) or materials. The base for sculpture/pedestal will rest on is approximately 2.5 x 2.5 feet. If a pedestal is needed, it is considered part of the sculpture.

A QR code (image will guide viewers to a website with short biographies of past Manni Award Winners on the city website) shall be incorporated in the art or on a plaque that reads: “Manni Awards: Honoring Outstanding Volunteers of Manitou Springs."

The site for the sculpture is in the center of town near the town clock or at 7 Minute Spring park The exact placement will be determined by City Council later.

Visit our website for more details on scope, specifications, site, budget, and other requirements.