Worcester is no stranger to science, technology and art. Worcester has a dizzying array of colleges and universities, from the liberal arts university, Clark, to the science and technology university, Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Many of the institutions in the city have community programs. For example, the Worcester Art Museum has a number of community art programs and classes. One thing Worcester has been missing is a makerspace. Makerspaces are community do-it-yourself collectives where amateur artists, engineers, builders and tinkerers can come together and share equipment and ideas.

Right now, there are three groups in Worcester trying to come together to create a new makerspace in Worcester. Technocopia, the central makerspace organization, already has some anchor tenants to help support the organization. Worcester Think Tank is an educational organization in Worcester dedicated to building curriculum and providing opportunities for young people to enjoy art and science. IA Design, a combination machine shop and wood-working shop, will round out the group.

If the groups’ fundraising is successful, they hope to bring their collective maker experience to the Worcester Printer building. The hope is that this new, larger collective will be better equipped and will be in a position to provide classes and other opportunities for makers of all ages to collaborate and learn from each other.

Makerspaces are not a new concept, and a flagship example of a successful makerspace – Artisan’s Asylum – is just down the road in Somerville. The makers from Artisan’s Asylum have spawned several major projects, including Stompy, the six-legged robot walker that carries two passengers. In fact, a robot-fighting duel is scheduled between the U.S.-based team and a team in Japan. Community members who are members of the makerspace build these major projects.

Typically, membership dues support makerspaces. Members also bring their personal tools to the space and share their tools with other members. This collective mentality allows people from the community to have access to tools and equipment they may not have at home. Some of the exciting things that makerspaces provide are 3D printers, large robotic machines for cutting wood, laser cutters and, of course, an array of hand tools.

According to Technocopia’s fundraising video, the group hopes to attract families, students and entrepreneurs from all over the city. The new location in the Printers Building is near public transportation, which ensures that the barriers to accessing the new opportunities at Technocopia are as low as possible. The membership dues are currently $75 a month, but since the group is a nonprofit, members can be sure that the fees go directly to the community. Additionally, low-income families may qualify for a modified membership fee.

So if you or someone in your family is a maker, artist or tinkerer who needs a space or equipment, consider becoming a member or supporting the fundraising campaign.

For more information, visit technocopia.org

By R.J. Linton