Lifting Artistic & Economic Vitality in Manitou Springs
News & Announcements

Electric Shuttle Call for Manitou Springs
Creative Alliance Manitou Springs (CRANE) is partnering with the City of Manitou Springs to license artwork from a local artist that invites residents and visitors to ride the free electric vehicle shuttle. Winning artwork will

Save the Peeps! (And Other Public Art Maintenance Projects)
You may have noticed that some of our permanent public art sculptures have been showing wear and tear after many years of service to the community. “Peeps” and other works that have been installed as

Small Town Arts: Manitou Springs Nominated Again as Only Colorado Contender in the Running for Best Small Town Arts Scene in America
The Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Manitou Springs Creative District, and City of Manitou Springs are not at all surprised that the town once again ranks in the Top 10 Best Small Town Arts Scenes
How we Work: Our Mission in Three Parts
We elevate and promote Manitou Springs creatives to lift artistic and economic vitality. Why? Because Creativity IS good business.
1 | Promote Manitou Springs
We ❤️ Manitou Springs, a place where the history is as rich and compelling as its natural beauty. We celebrate local charm and fresh ideas while preserving our unique cultural, historic, and natural setting. Our creatives hold a key place at the table for community solutions driven by shared values and love of placemaking. We center inclusion and celebrate what makes us unique.
2 | Elevate Artistic Vitality
Artists drive us forward with their vision, their passion, their collaborative spirit. Colorado is a global leader in the creative industries, which include music, performing arts, design, film and media, heritage, writing and publishing, performing arts and visual arts and crafts. We work closely with community and regional organizations to innovate and to create opportunities.
3 | Lift Economic Activity
As a certified Creative District through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, it’s our goal to help increase jobs, incomes, and investments in Manitou Springs. We do this through small business development programs and coaching including Manitou Made, which is a partnership with the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce.
38+ BARS, RESTAURANTS & CAFES
58+ ARTISTS & DESIGNERS
8 QUIRKY COMMUNITY EVENTS
12+ STUDIOS, GALLERIES & MUSEUMS
50+ PUBLIC ART SCULPTURES & MURALS
80+ HISTORIC DISTRICT BUILDINGS & RESOURCES
See Manitou Springs Innovate on Instagram
Our Key Partners
The Manitou Springs Creative District exists because these local entities came together to seek Colorado State certification. Without their continued partnership, we couldn’t fulfill our mission.

Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau & Office of Economic Development manitousprings.org