The idea
For curious beginners and established artists alike. Makerspaces are nothing new. They are opening up in cities, towns and villages around the country and across the globe. From hackers accessing the latest technology for geekery magic to craft people wanting specialist equipment to design and make their wares. Colchester Makerspace (Images: Andy Matthews) is a not-for-profit enterprise, born out of a 3.5 year proof of concept at the Waiting Room. Our Makerspace will be an inclusive facility where local people can openly share their knowledge and develop their creativity. It is place to scatch a curiousity itch, explore new routes to employment, or simply enjoy the theraputic value of making. Attend taster sessions, inspiring talks, evening classes and professional development workshops, featuring areas such as ceramics, printmaking and textiles.
What we'll deliver
- Rent a Makerspace at Trinity Works of 100sqm and purchase 1 years public liability and contents insurance
- Install state of the art door entry system to secure 24/7 access and fit new locks on all the studio units
- Recruit a part time, freelance workshop manager for the project to help us and our members find our feet
- Install a plastic shredder for processing plastic into a 3D printer filament
- Relocate the old letterpress, previously from the Old Waiting Room, into the new space
- Install a new kiln
- Build bespoke plywood workshop tables to maximise the flexibility and use of the space and purchase chairs
- Create a Colchester Makerspace Brand, Build a Website, Design and print a new leaflet to recruit new members
Why it's a great idea
Creative learning is often costly and exclusive, meaning many of us dont have the opportunity to fully explore our creativity. Access to workspace and tools can be expensive for artists and makers, hindering creative practice and stunting professional development. In addition, increasing financial pressures on our schools and an obsession with academia means the levels of creativity for young people in the national curriculum is at an all time, dangerous low. To address these challenges, Colchester Makerspace is looking to raise money to launch a shared, open access workspace full of creative equipment alongside an exciting curriculum designed by artists, creating learning opportunities for the whole community.
Steps to get it done
- Rent a Makerspace at Trinity Works of 100sqm and purchase 1 years public liability and contents insurance
- Install state of the art door entry system to secure 24/7 access and fit new locks on all the studio units
- Recruit a part time, freelance workshop manager for the project to help us and our members find our feet
- Create a Colchester Makerspace brand, build a website, design and print a new leaflet to recruit new members
- Install new kilns
- Relocate the old letterpress, previously from the Old Waiting Room, into the new space
- Build bespoke plywood workshop tables to maximise the flexibility and use of the space and purchase chairs
- Install a plastic shredder for processing plastic into a 3D printer filament
