Makerspaces is a term for physical workspaces where like-minded people gather to make, design, collaborate, explore, and share thoughts on different projects. ¹ Makerspaces may or may not be connected to broader online communities that allow for remote collaboration. ²

History

Makerspaces grew from the Maker Movement, a term coined by book publisher Dale Dougherty in 2005. ³ For years, as Dougherty was working on a simpler way to publish print books online, he met with web developers discussing how to build new computer platforms and how to combine existing methods and systems with new ideas. ³ Dougherty began Make Magazine in 2005 as a re-invention of Popular Mechanics and began the Maker Movement. ³

In 2007, Dougherty launched Maker Fair in San Mateo, California to gather interested individuals on different topics. ⁴ From that began a surge in maker events, spaces, conferences, and research. ⁴

Uses

While varying by location, Makerspaces provide access to tools a lot of individuals do not own, including 3D printers, laser cutters, milling machines, wood and metalworking machinery, sewing machines, and electronics benches. ² Through online sharing capabilities, Makerspaces allow specialists and non-specialists to collaborate remotely using shared design files. ²

Makerspaces have allowed U.S. and European participants to share or answer questions and assist in low and middle-income countries. ² During COVID, a Makerspace in Iraq produced masks and visors distributed to hospitals. In Nepal, collaborators worked with others around the world to repair broken ventilators. Similar stories emerged from Malawi, Ethiopia, Fiji, and Bangladesh. ²

Proponents of Makerspaces argue there is value of funding and creating more spaces including an increase in student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. ¹ Another argument is that Makerspaces can lead to increased interest in new ideas or disciplines such as fabrication, metal and woodworking skills, and provide other skills to non-college educated individuals. ¹

Funding

Makerspaces are usually funded through nonprofits, as part government entities such as libraries and museums, universities, schools, and standalone projects. Makerspaces in libraries and museums usually fare better than stand-alone Makerspaces because they are seen as a mission of the organization. In schools, results may be mixed as Makerspaces may be eliminated first due to budget cuts. ⁵

Government grants are available to fund Makerspaces including through the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation, as well as state and local grant opportunities. ⁶ Private grants are provided through a variety of organizations including the Gates Foundation, National Education Association Foundation, New York Life Foundation, PNC Foundation, Sony Grants, Toshiba America Foundation, and the Joyce Foundation. ⁶

After the COVID pandemic, many Makerspaces closed. ⁵ As of 2024, it is estimated that there are over 2,000 Makerspaces worldwide. ⁵ Through tracking, Dale Dougherty, the founder of the Maker Movement, was able to verify 716 Makerspaces, with 460 in the U.S. ⁵

1. Ismail Chicho, Redar T. “A Brief History of Makerspace.” LinkedIn. May 31, 2020. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/brief-history-makerspace-redar-ismail-chicho/.
2. Corsini, Lucia and Eric James. “’Makerspaces’ Boost Community Resilience. It’s Time to Support Them.” World Economic Forum. June 21, 2021. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/06/makerspaces-help-communities-in-crisis-heres-how-to-support-them/.
3. Dougherty, Dale. “About.” LinkedIn. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/in/daledougherty/.
4.  Dougherty, Dale. “About.” LinkedIn. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/in/daledougherty/; Ismail Chicho, Redar T. “A Brief History of Makerspace.” LinkedIn. May 31, 2020. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/brief-history-makerspace-redar-ismail-chicho/.
5. Dougherty, Dale. “How Many Makerspaces?” Make Things. May 2, 2024. Accessed July 8, 2024. https://makethings.make.co/p/many-makerspaces.
6. “How to Fund Your Makerspace with Grants.” 1stMakerspace. Accessed July 8, 2024. https://1stmakerspace.com/grants.