MAKING SPACE:
SHAring Skills and Building Community Through Public Space to Design and Build
The “Making Space” Project was an initiative to activate the Westside Makerspace’s pilot location in the New West Branch Library in 2022, and now our Prototype Lab in 2023, and a method to share our exploration of a need for a makerspace in West Dayton. Through targeted interviews, and stimulating artist-lead classes, our goal was to shine a spotlight on the talented makers of our community who inspire others in Dayton to pursue their interests. This initiative involved the creation of a Mini Documentary, A digital and print Magazine, and Skill-Sharing Workshops called Studio Hops and focused on Storytelling and Community Engagement.
We aimed to highlight the history of creativity within the community and involve them in designing a future makerspace that fosters growth and learning together. By prioritizing storytelling, particularly within Black communities, we aimed to validate lived experiences and expertise to begin to create a makerspace based on strengths and assets. The project successfully engaged the community in culturally responsive ways, ensuring their input in shaping the future space.
This project was supported/made possible in part by a Special Projects Grant funded by the Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District and administered by Culture Works.
EXPLORE EACH PROJECT BELOW
documentary
digital zine
studio hops
