Downtown Ithaca Seeking Creative Bike Rack Designs

07/23/2020

Following the success of the initial round of art bike racks in downtown Ithaca in 2018, The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) and City of Ithaca are looking for artists and residents of all ages to submit ideas for creative bike rack designs for the second round of 12 additional racks from now through Monday, Aug. 31.

Each of 12 winning designs will receive a cash prize, including a special $100 prize for the top entry by a Tompkins County youth.  The DIA will work with local artist blacksmith Durand’s Forge to fabricate racks based on the winning designs, and the City will install them at preselected locations in downtown and Collegetown in 2021.  yellow bike rack

The goals of the project are to encourage cycling as a viable mode of transportation while enhancing the community with creative functional art in our urban environment, designed by and for the whole community.

Submissions will be accepted from any individual or group. Individuals may submit up to three designs. A design review board composed of bicyclists, artists, and other community members will work with the DIA and be responsible for selecting the winning designs. A panel of judges will select the winners based on the design’s functionality, artistic innovation, and creativity. The group is also especially hoping for designs reflecting aspects of Ithaca’s unique culture, history, and characteristics of place.

This project is a partnership of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, City of Ithaca Office of Economic Development and Department of Public Works. The project is financially supported by an anonymous donor.

To download guidelines and a design submission form, visit www.downtownithaca.com/bikerackdesigncompetition/, call the DIA at (607) 277-8679, or email kris@downtownithaca.com.