Developing the Fort Worth Maker community

[Randall ArnoldKeymaster]

Okay, I muddied things up a bit in the Sequence of Events discussion so by way of making things right here’s a very specific thread for discussing the launch and development of a Fort Worth Maker community.

 

To begin, this is necessary to demonstrate the full level of interest in Make activities in this area and present a single face to interested parties for large-scale purposes.  That includes future makerspace opportunities, events, donations, education, etc.

 

I can understand the desire to create a non-profit organization specific to a single makerspace, but we need a larger non-profit in addition to (or instead of) one designed for single purpose if we are to develop more than one space, attract commercial sponsorships and/or franchises like Techshop.

 

One question is, should we limit this to Fort Worth?  Expand to Tarrant County?  Or embrace the entire DFW area with one large, overarching entity that supports all local Make ventures, activities and events?

 

Let’s discuss!

[Randall ArnoldKeymaster]

Based on some misunderstandings, let me clarify what I see to be the two main goals:

 

- develop a local Make community, which is neither defined by nor tied to a particular site, activity, or event.  The community needs to be inclusive and over-arching.  It would embrace and envelop inventors, artists, crafters, technicians, engineers, scientists, tinkerers, mechanics, etc etc etc.  Think of it as an umbrella organization for creatives of all kinds.  It should be a non-profit.  I propose something like Fort Worth Make Foundation, Fort Worth Make Community, Tarrant County Make Federation, DFW Makers, etc.  Don’t sweat the semantics.  Let’s find out what’s been done elsewhere (I’ll ask Sherry Huss)
- start one or more small makerspaces with the understanding that some or all may be temporary, while planning and preparing for Something Bigger.  I’m excited and thankful that Jason has enabled this to proceed!

 

That’s it in a nutshell.  And these two elements have been proposed to me by every major entity who’s gotten involved, so they look like the easiest way to get buy-in from sponsors and other supporters.

[digital_godsKeymaster]

I love it, “Make Federation”.  Make Federation | The Next Generation.  Sorry, SciFi Con in town this weekend and the close proximity exposure is allowing the inner nerd emerge as if it was like Mr Hyde. Thought I would lighten up the mood since it’s Friday.

[jebanta57Participant]

I wonder if we want to reach out to existing maker communities? I can think of several in particular. Lockheed Martin Recreation Association hosts Model Railroading, Ceramics, Glass (both stained glass and hot glass), and Jewelry Making groups, with extensive, shared maker spaces for each of the groups. With the large community of engineers, mechanics and machinists who work at Lockheed Martin I see this as a logical company to contact for possible support, and these groups as good mentors for setting up and maintaining maker groups. Other groups that I know are local rock hound groups who have workshops with shared, expensive rock cutting, polishing and faceting equipment as well asfurnaces for casting metal for jewelry making.

[Randall ArnoldKeymaster]

Absolutely!  I’ve already started talking to other communities (mostly coders) around DFW, but EVERYONE is encouraged to reach out to ANY relevant group.  All the ones listed are great fits!  That also includes people involved in sewing, model making, whatever.

[digital_godsKeymaster]

Once we get ourselves established and into having more space resources, I say absolutely we should target all maker groups. We want to be the hub of the maker activity in Tarrant County.

[MJ MathiasModerator]

I went to the two Austin Maker Faires several years ago, loved it, and was slated to assist with the next one that sadly was cancelled.  I’m very much interested in doing everything I can to bring together a Fort Worth Maker community. Is there an outline of the immediate needs for the group?  I work just down the road from Magnolia and will be at the 21 march 2013 contest meet, although I did meet a couple of the Board members today at the iMake event and  Dan has my contact info, SO, if there is anything I can do between now and then to help, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  

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