THEMUSEUM gets funding for MakerSpace
Museums are a place of learning. They provoke imagination, encourage exploration and inspire innovative thoughts. Located in the heart of downtown Kitchener, THEMUSEUM offers experiences that intersect art, science and technology. Featuring five floors of interactive and diverse exhibits, THEMUSEUM constantly scans the globe for fresh, cultural relevant content, fitting in a city that fosters innovation and collaboration.
The City of Kitchener allocated $50,000 from the Kitchener Economic Development Reserve Fund to support an Underground Studio MakerSpace for young people at THEMUSEUM. This space will become home to young people ages six to seventeen who, through experiential learning, will explore new hands-on programs and activities. It will be a place where children and youth are able to foster new skills, gain access to specialized equipment, meet community mentors and become creators. The studio will be designed for children to tinker, hack, remodel, invent, and explore new ideas and solutions. In an environment that increasingly requires digital literacy and technical thinking, children’s access to science, technology, engineering and math - S.T.E.M. learning has become crucial preparation for them to thrive in tomorrow’s economy.
Makerspaces play an important role in workforce development. Research indicates that if young people (particularly girls) haven’t experienced working with tools by age 12, they are unlikely to develop these skills later. Lack of access to tools and training discourages young adults from pursuing careers in related industries, resulting in labour shortages in many skilled trades.
Access to community space for youth is increasingly recognized as a critical stage in the development of a maker. It encourages young people to adopt a creative problem-solving mindset. The studio will be equipped with a variety of tool types (e.g., industrial tools, electronics, crafts/sewing) to serve makers at different stages in their personal development.
THEMUSEUM will develop a full schedule of activities including camps, workshops and school programs. The Maker Club program will be offered on a weekly basis, and as part of school group visits and weekend drop-in sessions.
This initiative supports Kitchener’s Economic Development Strategy Make It Kitchener that includes investment in the maker ecosystem in early stage development for youth.