Makerspaces are a social good
Ask most people to describe a Makerspace simply and they will give a simple answer: “A space with tools and materials, that people buy and maintain as a group, and then use to build projects” . This is unsurprising – the stereotype of “makers” as having a practical and tangible understanding of the world is well-founded. But it does, albeit unintentionally, do Makerspaces a disservice. Yes, a Makerspace often has tools and space unavailable to members. And, yes, it allows for people to make things that they couldn’t make at home. But then, if you look at the things people build, often they could easily be done at home instead. So why build them here? Why leave warm and cosy homes, pack up your materials, and set up in our space? There is something more going on here. Makerspaces are, yes, tool sheds and work spaces for people that “do”. But they are also social spaces, where people meet, and work together, and discuss, and build things. Between all of that is an ephemeral and often-ignored therapy that is taking place. Makerspaces help with loneliness, they boost confidence and