Wanted: bike racks with flair

The bike racks are coming.

Not just any ol’ run-of-the-mill pedal-to-metal holder, but something that will make Old Main Street stand out from corner to corner — sculpture bike racks. It’s modern art and functionality all in one.

Ann Wykell, public art coordinator for the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority, said the goal behind the project is to draw more pedestrian and bicycle traffic to downtown.

Of course, to get bicyclers to enjoy all that Old Main Street has to offer — from eateries to street parties — there have to be places for them to park their ride. Wykell said the bicycle riders who already visit Old Main often chain their bikes to light poles.

“It seems evident — the need for bike racks,” Wykell said. “We see bikes on the street all the time.”

The artsy racks are part of the Bradenton DDA’s Old Main Street public art enhancement project. The project will also feature colorful banners created by local art students flagging the street. Look for those by the end of summer with more coming in December.

As far as the bike racks, Wykell said the project will feature three designs on various corners of Old Main. It will cost a collective $10,000.

“It’s a very modest project that’s a lot of fun and will really enhance the street,” she said.

If you’re an artist or designer, this is where you come in.

The DDA is seeking design proposals from artists for the bike racks. Interested artists can submit up to three design proposals for any of the five sample rack locations listed on the DDA’s website or they can pick their own along Old Main Street, Wykell said.

Artists must also submit a resume, images of past work and an artist statement.

Proposals must be high quality and creative, Wykell said. Only three of the best submissions will be selected, with the opportunity for the designs to be duplicated.

While the call to artists is open to artists and designers throughout

the state, Wykell is hoping many local artists will be represented in the submissions.

Deadline to apply is Sept. 15. The winning proposals are tentatively set to be selected Sept. 28.

Chosen artists will receive a $1,000 honorarium that will cover travel, consultation and other costs. Budgets for fabrication and installation will be negotiated.

Artists may fabricate their own designs if they meet requirements or they can team up with Manatee Technical Institute students for aid.

The new bike racks will be unveiled between December and January.

For more information, including an extensive list of guidelines, visit www.ddabradenton.com or visit our blog at heraldbuzzworthy.blogspot.com.