What happens when you combine the most accessible artform with the most accessible mode of transportation? You get ARTCRANK, a collective of Minneapolis-based bike enthusiasts who curate and host art events across the country (and the world). Since 2007, ARTCRANK has raised money for local and international causes from World Bicycle Relief to the Des Moines Bicycle Collective. And these shows are no small feat – over 6,000 people attended their opening night party in Minneapolis, and over 30,000 people attended ARTCRANK events in 2013 alone.
It’s a no-brainer: art and bikes blend well together. Add beer, and you’ve got yourself a party.
And it’s easy to see how ARTCRANK can draw a crowd – not only do they curate local artists in each host city (our own Allison Cline picked up an Artcrank poster at Bicycle Habitat, but these bike-inspired posters are some of the coolest works of art that you can hang in your living room for less than 50 bucks. A good chunk of that is going toward a pro-bicycle organization that helps spread the love of cycling across the globe.
The Minneapolis team is busy coordinating upcoming events for 2014, so where can you find an ARTCRANK event this year? Media Director Patrick Murphy says, “We have our sights set on Austin in April and our hometown of Minneapolis in May. Beyond that, about ten other cities are in play, and NYC ranks highly amongst them.”
We’re pretty excited for ARTCRANK to hit New York – consider our fingers crossed.
You can keep up with local artists involved with ARTCRANK here; while they do not sell their posters online (props for face-to-face interaction!), you can find their posters at bike shops in major cities across the country. Check out their Flickr as well.