By Garrett Shaw
Mission Hill Main Streets (MHMS), a local grassroots consortium of businesses, organizations and residents, has recently announced its “Racks of Art” competition.
The competition is open to all college students interested in designing a multi-unit bike rack that will be placed in Mission Hill. MHMS will then choose one person from the pool of applicants to give a $7,500 budget for the design, fabrication and installation of the bike rack.
Christine Rose, executive director of MHMS, said she believes this contest can play a big part in improving Roxbury. “Bike racks are already in short supply, so it’s great to give something to the community that is also beautiful and artistic,” she said.
Aside from being a piece of art, some students said they would like to see an innovative design.
“I always lock my bike up to a bike rack, so I think it’d be cool to see a design that has a locking mechanism already on it,” said Nicholas Langelotti, a freshman physical therapy major. MHMS is implementing a distinct criteria for the competition. According to the contest’s memo, the organization wants the bike rack to, “reference the character, history and fabric of the local community.” It can’t fall from the green movement either: They prefer the use of recycled or savaged materials that will also be durable and easy to maintain.
Organizers said they only have the funding for one bike rack right now, but a replicable design for potential fabrication for additional racks is desired.
Rose, said there were only about 50 applicants as of press time, so an attempt at winning the contest could be fruitful.
“I really want to encourage everyone to apply. Even if you just do some art or design as a hobby, you should consider,” Rose said.
The specific location in Mission Hill of the bike rack will be announced before its development.
“This contest is going to be great,” Rose said. “It shows that anybody who has a desire to do something, if you do a little research, you can do it.”
The deadline is set for Thursday, April 3.
Anybody interested in the contest should contact Rose at the UrbanArts Institute at Massachusetts College of Art and Design at 617-879-7973.
