FOLEY – Area artists are being asked to submit their ideas for a project to promote bicycle use in Foley while providing artistic displays downtown.

Foley Main Street and other community organizations are seeking proposals to create artistic-sculptural bicycle racks to be placed around the city center.

The Foley Main Street Community Foundation is coordinating the effort for the Foley Main Street Board of Directors, the Foley Revitalization and Beautification Advisory Board, Foley Historical Commission and Foley Art Center.

To support the popularity of bicycling, and the need for safe and secure bicycle parking in Downtown Foley, the Foley Main Street Foundation is inviting professional and amateur artists of all backgrounds to submit proposals for the project.

Artists wishing to be considered for the project can submit a proposal to design, fabricate, deliver and install artistic bicycle racks around Downtown Foley.

The racks will be placed in up to six locations downtown. Proposed locations include the west side of the pedestrian bridge on Alabama 59, the Holmes Medical Museum on West Laurel Avenue, Pine Street Park, the Cat Alley Walkway, Drowsy Poet corner and the east side of Heritage Park

The theme and design of the racks will be determined by the artist. The racks can reflect Foley’s history, the eclectic nature of Downtown Foley and its strong support of the visual and musical arts. 

Designs will have to follow Association of Pedestrian & Bicycle Professional Bicycle Parking Guidelines and city of Foley standards.

Some guidelines include the requirement that each rack accommodate at least two bicycles and be made of materials that will not damage the bicycles and withstand permanent exposure to the outside environment.

The racks must also conform to city regulations that require that at least five feet of sidewalk space is kept clear to allow pedestrians to pass.

The proposals are due by April 30. Finalists are scheduled to be selected May 2. The planned completion date for the racks is October 2024.

Artists’ submissions should include a detailed description of the artist’s proposal for the bicycle racks, including an image of ideas for each location illustrating the proposed work. Also required are images of past work; biographical material, including a resume and awards received; an explanation of fabrication, care and installation description and samples of commissions that relate to the project. Liability insurance will also be required before the project is started.

Artists should also provide a budget for the project that should not exceed $2,000 to $4,000 for each rack. The charge should be broken down into the steps for design, fabrication and installation.

Submissions should be made by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. The submission address is:

Foley Main Street Community Foundation, info@foleymainstreet.com, Attention: Darrelyn Dunmore.

Anyone wanting complete submission guidelines or additional information on the project can go to https://www.foleymainstreet.com/blog/. 

Darrelyn Dunmore, executive director of Foley Main Street, can also be contacted at that email address or at 251-270-0089.