Citywide Ideas

Fix-It Communities

Idea:

This is really based off of existing models, but essentially it would recruiting community members to do different things in hopes of hosting “fix-it” events for all sorts of electronics. Members could help with research, tools, sewing materials, and more. At these events, community members would actively be involved so that they learn how to [Read more…]

Benefit:

It would reduce the number of items thrown away, thus reducing the amount spent on replacement items. It's empowering for people to learn how to fix their every day items and it really helps to build a strong community bond.
Location:

Citywide.

Drunk History Lowell Edition

Idea:

The passage of time often has a way of rewriting history. So does a few drinks. The half-hour series “Drunk History” — based on the award-winning web series — shows how by re-enacting famous events in history as told by inebriated storytellers. Each episode takes a tour of a U.S. city to explore stories and [Read more…]

Benefit:

Get folks interested in local history and different Lowell locations that wouldn't normally be interested. Draw attention to the stories that make Lowell and New England special.
Location:

Citywide.

Mill City Movement

Idea:

Always free, year round all-inclusive fitness movement. Meets outdoors and workout are based on the surrounding – the city is our playground. See “November Project” – look it up online. I want to create a pledge tribe.
Benefit:

Build community and connections between residents of all occupations, ages, races, economic backgrounds, etc. in a way that promotes a healthy lifestyle (taking time to workout and prioritize fitness while also getting a healthy dose of socializing and accountability).
Location:

Citywide.

Ghost Sign Projections

Idea:

Lowell has many “ghost signs” on buildings where you can see remnants of a beautiful, painted, historic advertisement. Restoring them probably isn’t feasible in the short term, but we could recreate the sign on a computer and use a projector to throw the image up on the building in its original location at night.
Benefit:

Captures an interesting fragment of lost history, adds interesting nighttime feature making Lowell feel more active and alive after dark, and builds interest in possible larger project to restore. 
Location:

Citywide.

Trash Can Canvas Project

Idea:

Take a metal trash can and paint it white to make a blank canvas. Then a group of people make a painting on the trash can canvas. When it’s dry you can plant something or just put it in a public place where it would really stand out. Could paint multiple trash cans.
Benefit:

It’s something to just see and appreciate. They’re meant to be put in areas that might be less clean or not as vibrant. It’s very eye-catching and it shows that you can take something so simple and dirty and make it beautiful.
Location:

Citywide.

Painting Electrical Boxes

Idea:

Hire artists to paint grey and beige electrical boxes at curbside with colorful, amazing images. Materials needed: paint, drop cloths. Hold an exhibit with ideas, choose the best, pay artists for time and materials. Maybe make the boxes direct visitors to Lowell sites.
Benefit:

Beautification. Beautify our cityscape. Add visual interest, plus it’s a way for artists to show their work in a nontraditional setting. We could hold a tour of the boxes when the project is completed. Makes Lowell look like the artistic place it is.
Location:

Citywide.