Downtown and JAM Ideas

Fix-It Fair or Repair Cafe

Idea:

Some libraries operate “fix-it fairs” where community members share their expertise in various areas by fixing things that need repairs. Small engine repair, sewing and other textile repair, computer support, small appliance repair, etc. I believe this sort of thing has been done in Lowell before, but this could be done on a recurring basis [Read more…]

Benefit:

Repairing existing goods is beneficial in many ways. It saves community members money by making their broken items last longer, especially for items that are costly to repair or replace. It provides a place for those with helpful skills to be able to share those skills with others, which strengthens [Read more…]

Location:

Downtown / JAM.

Graffiti Dike

Idea:

The Centralville side of the Merrimack has a concrete dike along VFW Highway. Lowell artists would render one or more of their existing works at a larger size – the full height of the dike. The art pieces would be spaced such that the local graffiti taggers would have the opportunity to make their own [Read more…]

Benefit:

Art's always a benefit, public art is a community benefit. Legitimizing graffiti art provides the benefit of making the illegal act a legal act.

Location:

Centralville, Downtown / JAM.

ONE Talent Competition

Idea:

ALL DRESSED UP NOWHERE TO GO? Looking To The Past For Guidance Is a HEALTHY WAY To Move Culture Forward = CREATING NEW CULTURE + ICONIC NEW IDEAS Drawing Inspiration From Traditional + Archetypal Wisdom. BGPC Supports Community Wide Actions and Events where the Entire Community Benefits thru Mutual Pollination and Support of Each Members [Read more…]

Benefit:

BGPC VALUES Bee Good Production Co Values Curated Experiences That Encourage Attendees To Be BOLD + BEAUTIFUL + AUTHENTIC = TO SHINE BGPC Provides Venue Support Through Partnership With Local Law Enforcement + WE ASK VENUES TO STRICTLY ENFORCE A NO WEAPONS POLICY FOR ALL BGPC EVENTS. BGPC Donates 10% [Read more…]

Location:

Downtown / JAM.

Robeson Street Beautification

Idea:

Work with Lowell Transitional Living Center, Mill No. 5, and others to brighten up the alley behind Mill No. 5. This could include tables, cleanup, weeding, and other improvements to make it feel more “intentional.” Maybe even pieces of art–and maybe it could include some bump-outs to widen the sidewalk near LTLC? Let’s see what [Read more…]

Benefit:

Better connection to Middlesex Street, show public realm interest in underutilized area, build partnerships with shelter

Location:

Downtown / JAM.

Walking Area

Idea:

Work with the City to create a temporary walking/patio area in downtown Lowell. This could be many areas, possibly on Merrimack St from John to Shattuck Streets no through track, emergency vehicles only. A left only on to Merrimack from John St. there would be access to Kirk St. making a left from Merrimack. This [Read more…]

Benefit:

It would benefit the many businesses in the area. More comfortable outdoor dining for the restaurants and encourage or bring back other merchants such as gift shops, boutiques to that area. There are garages at each cardinal points within walking distance.

Location:

Downtown / JAM.

Independent Creators Expo Lowell

Idea:

This event would be like a Comic Con but more like the Small Press Expo in Bethesda, Maryland. The emphasis would be on artists, cosplayers, writers, musicians, and any other creative who is self-generating projects in the Arts and Entertainment. Of course, as the big draw of Comic Cons has been performers in genre specific [Read more…]

Benefit:

Lowell has an incredible array of the arts and entertainment creatives, both professionals and hobbyists. This event would benefit these creatives by bringing them to a larger and specific audience. Lowell would benefit by having the event outside of Boston. There are many people from all over northern New England [Read more…]

Location:

Downtown / JAM.

Tiny Doors Lowell

Idea:

Atlanta has tiny doors hidden in public spaces. Parks, buildings, museums. They’re fun to just stumble upon and I feel like it brings a sense of wonder to the community. It’s artistic and fun. Essentially, small doors are created and decorated as if a fairy or maybe a mouse had a door leading into their [Read more…]

Benefit:

If it becomes a larger phenomenon, people may be incentivized to seek out the doors and explore more of the city. Otherwise, it’s a small scale community art program and who doesn’t love that?

Location:

Citywide, Downtown / JAM.