Art in Lowell: Brick by Brick

What if we could get permission from the city to let artists in the downtown area paint footprints on sidewalks, benches, and other items forming a footwalk to art venues in the area?

Benefit:

It would highlight the arts in the downtown area for all to enjoy, and promote tourism, which helps the local economy. It would beautify the area as artists would come up with clever and striking images. Sidewalk Sam is a wonderful example; this takes his idea one step further! Pun [Read more…]

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

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, OldIdea.

Barriers into Bike Parking

Idea:

Modify existing concrete barriers used during festivals. Drill holes in the barriers to hold a loop of rebar so folks visiting the festival by bicycle can lock their bikes to the loop of secured rebar on the barrier.

Benefit:

Allows increased bicycle access to downtown festivals.

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Beautiful Canalside Dining Night

Idea:

A special dining event! Use Lower Locks, Lucy Larcom Park, or another canalside space to set up tables for one evening. Downtown visitors may order a special meal from one of several participating restaurants, and a waiter will bring the meal to the canalside table. It would be much like “Savor the Summit” Grande Table [Read more…]

Benefit:

This would bring additional exposure to downtown restaurants and to Lowell's underutilized canalside space. It might inspire more use from the former Sun printing building. People may try a new restaurant if it's in a fun new context and want to visit their bricks-and-mortar establishment if they like it.

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Beer Garden at Kerouac Park

Idea:

Host a beer garden, specializing in local breweries at Kerouac Park. Include music and local performers.

Benefit:

Bring more people out to Kerouac Park to enliven the underutilized space and encourage opportunities for new uses of the park space.

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

“Before I die…”

Idea:

Choose a large public space/wall, perhaps empty/abandoned buildings or fences. Paint the wall with blackboard paint. Have chalk available. People write one sentence: “Before I die I want to…” (fill in the blank).

Benefit:

Reduce the stigma of talking about death, opportunity for self-expression, increases awareness of others' thoughts…

Location:

Don't Know, OldIdea.

Envisioning a Better Transit App

Idea:

Riders of the Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) are often frustrated by the limitations of existing transit apps. This project would provide pop-up tabling, focus groups, surveys, or other methods to reach LRTA riders to identify “bugs” or desired features. The result would be a mock-up or framework of an improved app that could recommend [Read more…]

Benefit:

This could inspire LRTA to invest in a new app or perhaps be a bridge to working with UML or other agencies to create the app. This would also draw attention to public transportation options.

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Bike Helmet Decoration

Idea:

Get everyone together to an event with foam, hot glue, small plastic toys. Families work together with their kids in creating fun and colorful bike helmets. Could take place at Western Ave Studios or another place.

Benefit:

Increased visibility and safety for kids on their bikes.

Location:

Acre, OldIdea.