Date Posted: April 22, 2026
Meet Bianca and Michael: individual arts’ creators and co-founders of the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race!
Kinetic sculptures are engineered, wildly artistic, human-powered sculptures designed to travel over mud, sand, and water. Add “race” to the mix, and you have both the artist and their art put in motion—or better yet, put to the test!
We’ve caught up with both Bianca and Michael to learn how this typically West Coast and Mid-Atlantic Region competition came to Lowell, and how has hosting it in our mill city enriched its community.
1) How did the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race start in Lowell?
I had seen the Kinetic Grand Championship seven times in California (now on its 57th year) and always thought it would be great to have something like it in New England. Working in Lowell and knowing its creative community, it made sense to do it here. So I mentioned it to a friend who put me in touch with Bianca. I told her my crazy idea and she said, “Lets do it,” and with her amazing background in arts production she made it happen. That was 2016. We had eight teams and a much smaller course. Since then, the race has grown, with teams from kids groups (Boys and Girls Club, Youth Development Organization of Lawrence, and Idea Camp Lowell), local creatives and bike enthusiasts, and some teams as far away as Baltimore and California that travel here to race.
Photo by Jennifer Meyers.
2) Could you describe the team that organizes the festival?
There are a lot of creatives and production people (BRM Productions), people specializing in fundraising, and some great community organizers.
3) What resources or tips do you have for other organizers of festivals and events in Lowell?
Stick to it. Cultural Affairs and Special Events (CASE) and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) have been great at helping us through the years. Both are great to work with.
4) What is the most rewarding aspect of organizing the Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race?
The smiles and joy we see from everyone who participates and spectates.
Photo by Jennifer Meyers.
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Email us at info@mosaiclowell.org! Mosaic Lowell posts Community Spotlights with the goal of highlighting artists, crafters, performers, supportive patrons, creative businesses and vendors in the Lowell community. Community Spotlights are posted on Mosaic Lowell’s blog, newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram.