Outdoor Movies Expansion

Idea:

A DIY Lowell team began to catalogue outdoor movie opportunities that happen in Lowell. They also showed two downtown movies “on the bricks” although they were rained out. This would continue their work and add a series of outdoor movie events where families can sit on the grass together and watch family-friendly movies with open [Read more…]

Benefit:

This would benefit the community by providing a great activity for kids and families to participate in socially-distanced fun while still maintaining a sense of community. It would also help support small businesses like food trucks and local vendors.

Location:

Don't Know.

Dog Stations for Clean-Up

Idea:

Identify a key location or locations for Pup Poop Clean Up stations in the city so everyone has access to bags and a place to dispose of the bags. These can be temporary while the Team maintains them to see if they are a success.

Benefit:

It would help to maintain cleaner sidewalks, making the city look nicer and more friendly to pedestrians.

Location:

Citywide.

Acre Play way

Idea:

Convert one of the canal walkways (in the Acre) to a family-friendly Play Way with sensory pathways, seating, play-friendly/interactive sculptures and art installations, and maybe a garden.

Benefit:

Beautification of an under-utilized area that improves a space and makes it more welcoming and engaging to families, as well as a community space for events.

Location:

Acre.

A Window to Art

Idea:

Fill some of the empty windows in derelict buildings with colorful artworks. These could each be made individually by artists, or they could all combine to make one cohesive artwork. Buildings would be chosen by the team based on impact to community and landlord interest.

Benefit:

This is a low-cost, temporary way to make derelict buildings more attractive prior to their redevelopment. It may draw attention to the building for investment, or it might brighten up the street the building is on leading to investment in neighboring buildings. It will also promote Lowell as an art-friendly [Read more…]

Location:

Citywide, Don't Know.

Little Free Galleries.

Idea:

Similar to Little Free Libraries, a Little Free Gallery is a miniature art gallery in a small box. (See this article: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-free-miniature-art-galleries-are-popping-street-corners-across-us-180977967/) DIY Lowell could supply kits for individuals and businesses to construct their own LFGs all around the city. The boxes could be locked or opened if the art is free to take.

Benefit:

Makes art accessible to the general public for free. Builds community.

Location:

Citywide.

Little Free Craft Library

Idea:

A “little free library,” but for craft supplies!

Benefit:

Crafting is a great way to relieve stress. Many folks have started new craft hobbies during the pandemic, but supplies can be expensive! A little free craft library would create an easy way for folks to donate extra supplies, and perhaps inspire a passerby to try something new!

Location:

Citywide.

Ice skating rink

Idea:

In one of the local parks make a winter ice skating rink. Investigate the cost for one of the temporary ones to keep for a number of weeks or other methods of creating temporary skating rink. Hire kids to install if possible.

Benefit:

Winter fun outside

Location:

Centralville.

Merrimack St crosswalks

Idea:

Downtown Amesbury commissioned artists to decorate crosswalks. With all of the artists in Lowell and all of the grant money the city got, this project could easily get done.

Benefit:

It would help beautify Merrimack St which is the heart of downtown. Downtown is in serious need of a clean up and beautification.

Location:

Downtown / JAM.

Hot Art

Idea:

Paint murals on surfaces that are hotter than surrounding areas with reflective paint that makes the surface cooler. Have events where kids can use temperature tools to see the difference.Put in environmental justice areas like Acre of Highlands

Benefit:

This is a good way to introduce the tech of reflective paint to help with heat islands in the city. LA has done this on schoolyard walls and other surfaces.

Location:

Acre, Citywide, Lower Highlands.