Call For Entries: Artistic Bike Racks

(this is not Austin… yet)

Want cooler bike racks in downtown Austin? Get to it:

The Downtown Austin Alliance is issuing a Request for Proposals to artists and artist teams interested in creating unique, durable artwork to serve as bike racks at three specific right-of-way locations along Congress Avenue.

Download the RFP by clicking on this link.

All RFPs responses must be received by September 24, 2008.

The mission of the DAA is to promote and preserve the value and vitality of downtown. We do this through supporting the arts, promoting smart development, advocating for alternative means of transportation and working to enhance property values in downtown Austin. This project provides a chance for the DAA to realize these goals, in cooperation with downtown constituents and the City of Austin. The bike rack sculptures will also provide amenities for an eco-friendly mode of transportation while encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time downtown.

Artists and artist groups will be chosen based on a wide range of ideas, but there are several fundamental aims of the project that the selected artists/artist teams should keep in mind while designing artwork for the site. These include the importance of:
– High aesthetic merit of the work
– Functionality as a bike rack, able to support and secure at least two bikes
– Overall safety of the design
– Low degree of maintenance of the work

An Artist Information meeting will be held on Thursday, September 4, 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Downtown Austin Alliance offices: 211 E 7th Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room. We will discuss the project, answer questions and tour potential installation sites.

We encourage you to use public transportation, walk or ride bicycles to the meeting. Free parking is also available in the DAA garage, located on 7th St. between Brazos and San Jacinto.

We look forward to receiving your proposals! Please contact Lacy LaBorde at 512-469-1766 or lacy@downtownaustin.com with questions.

Not in Austin? Request bike racks anywhere, and then submit your own design for them!