As the popularity of biking grows from city to city and country to country, so does community activism and involvement. ARTCRANK, which brings bike and art lovers together for good, began their impact in 2007 on a local scale, and since then has branched out from Minneapolis to other U.S., including Denver, and internationally in London, Manchester, and London.
In each city, approximately 30 local artists create hand-made, screenprint posters that reflect the bike culture of their city, or messages that resonate with bike owners far and wide, such as “Death to Bike Thieves.” Been there. I believe we all have. Those art pieces are sold to attendees for reasonable price ($40 / £30, so why not buy two or three?) with a portion of the proceeds donated to a local bike nonprofit or collective to support their efforts throughout the year. Admission is free, and local food and beverage companies are on hand to keep people satiated.
Saturday, August 24, two consecutive Artcrank bike-inspired art parties will be taking place:
ARTCRANK DEN, 3pm – 11pm, returning to TAXI in the River North Arts District (3455 Ringsby Ct.) – now in its fifth year, artists returning with their works include Andrew Hoffman, Chris Huth, along with Megan Morgan, Melissa Hession, Mia Huang, and more. A percentage of proceeds will to go Bike Denver, “a bicycle advocacy organization that promotes and encourages bicycling as an energy efficient, non-polluting, healthy and enjoyable transportation alternative in and around Denver.” Beverages provided by Widmer Brothers Brewing, poured into the ARTCRANK collectable pint glass, along with a number of local food trucks.
ARTCRANK LDN, 3pm – 9pm at Dog Eared Films (28 Field Street, WC1X 9DA). Now in its fourth year, the benefactors will be The Otesha Project, a Hackney based nonprofit teaching youth about the benefits and rewards of self-reliance and sustainable living. Artists include Rebecca Kaye, Eliza Southwood, and Bob Motown (what a cool last name), plus many more. Coffee will be served by the people from Look Mum No Hands, the spot of many a live broadcast of The Cylcr show on Hoxton Radio, and beer by Dark Star Brewing.
Follow all the ARTCRANK activities as they happen on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
