Makerspaces and the way people envision makerspaces are often vastly different. To many, makerspaces and the maker movement are heavily focused on 3D printing, electronics, robotics, and other highly technological and complex activities. When setting out to create a makerspace in a school or library, people often imagine it as a costly endeavor that will require the purchase of expensive and complicated equipment.
Although making does include these kinds of activities and tools, this is hardly the default for a makerspace, and simply purchasing a 3D printer and physically placing it somewhere will not create a makerspace. In fact, makerspaces can focus on many different types of making. So much depends on the community the makerspace exists to serve and support.
To promote this idea and adjust the perception of what a makerspace can be, MakerBridge needs your help! We want to showcase real makerspaces: those with 3D printers, those without 3D printers, and everything in between. Whether your space is high-tech and crammed with electronics or is just a space where people gather to work together on crafts and knitting, we want to hear from you.
Send us pictures at makerbridge@umich.edu or tweet them to us at @makerbridge! We will add them to our Flickr to show the world what a makerspace really looks like. We’re counting on you, makers, to show us some really great stuff, and to help us spread the word!
Image Credit: icons from The Noun Project, credits listed on our Flickr page
