ARTcycle Inc
ARTcycle Incorporated is an not-for-profit, artist-run, cycling initiative. Formed in 2010 as outreach between MASSBUG, BIKESydney and At The Vanishing Point Contemporary Gallery (ATVP), ARTcycle incorporated in 2011. Conceived as an enviromental social practise to promote active transport and zero emission mobility, we experiment with a variety of forms.
We continue to plan and lead tours by bicycle to galleries, aris and artist studios. These are fun and immersive social events where artists and non-artists mutually benefit from personal interaction. The art and cycling communities have a natural affinity, as early adopters and adapters. Social engagement between the two communities helps break down barriers, builds confidence, and builds audiences.
We have designed and lead rides for Art Month. Designed tours for MOST, LOST and HeadOn. Contributed the Inner-West Art Tour map to the Sydney Rides website and booklet, have a self-guided Sydney Art Ride 2008(pdf) featured on the City of Sydney Walking Tours website, and are driving The Gamut series of art events. We actively promote The Sydney Green Ring.
We also have harnessed technologies that utilise human power when adapted to the bicycle. The Fender Blender is a friction driven attachment that will fit almost any bicycle and utilises off the shelf components. With it we can provide make smoothies, frappes, soups and pesto – refreshment and sustenance on the go.
We also have a fleet of bicycles fitted with regenerative braking electric motors. These can be used to power a range of electrical audio visual devices, including the mobile, self-supported ARTcycle Cinema. A salient lesson is that the conversion of human power to electricity is increadibly inefficient.
The consumption of energy per person, derived from combusting carbon, has risen exponentially in the 20th century overloading the atmosphere with with pollutants and aerosols. It is possible to judiciously manage resources including energy and bring consumption under control. If we do not rein in consumption and pollution, overshoot will lead to economic and social collapse, as the history of the world will readily attest.
For more information:
- ARTcycle website
- ARTcycle facebook page
- ARTcycle MeetUp group
ARTcycle Rolling Sketch Tours and Bicycle Hire have been generously supported by a CASP grant from Regional Arts NSW
