Public Art Found Object Project in Fordham Road BID District Seeks Micro Investments

July 31, 2012 - PRLog -- When someone thinks about places to see public art in New York City, it is doubtful that Fordham Road in the Bronx would be at the top of their list. However, due to recent efforts by The Fordham Road Business Improvement District, The Department of Transportation, Bronx-based artist Christian Marche, and the local community investment start-up Lucky Ant, perceptions about art in the area could be changing. These partner organizations are joining forces to build a new found-object sculpture at the corner of East Fordham Road and Webster Avenue. The project, named The Bike Tower, will consist of multiple bicycles and bicycle components welded together to create a 10 feet tall installation.

This isn’t the first project by artist Marche in the area. Another public art piece by the sculpture, Silver, is located at the corner of Fordham Road and Grand Concourse. These existing and built sculptures are part of a larger, district-wide strategy by The Fordham Road Business Improvement District to brand the area as a destination for the arts. Similar projects in other neighborhoods and cities have shown that when a community is able to effectively reposition themselves as a destination for the arts, it creates positive economic benefits for area residents and businesses. That is the organizations goal on Fordham Road.

In order to make the project possible however, Marche and The Fordham Road BID have partnered with the hyper-local investment portal Lucky Ant. Through Lucky Ant, users are able to make “micro investments” in their favorite local projects, typically small businesses or local arts organizations. In exchange for their “investments” they are given a “return” in the form of products, services, discounts, and access to exclusive offers. In effect, the website is a way for people to invest their money locally, and
in the small businesses and local organizations that they value and support. It is not charity, more like an investment vehicle, for local small businesses and community development projects.

For example, Christian Marche is looking to raise $10,400 in capital for his Bike Tower Project.  Investors are able to offer varying amounts of capital in return for special returns. If you pledge $35 you’ll receive an autographed copy of the first conceptual sketch of the sculpture. For a $100 investment, you’ll receive a specialized, one-on-one welding class with Christian. During this class you can create your own piece of found object art and take it home.  

In this way, members of the community are not only supporting an important local art project, but they are also receiving some great rewards and unique artistic experiences in return.

For more information, including funding opportunities please visit:http://www.luckyant.com/nyc/bronx/index.html