Creating Inclusive Makerspaces

Abstract

As more universities embrace makerspaces as catalysts for creativity and innovation, the higher education community has the opportunity to address issues of inclusivity and intentionally create spaces that encourage participation from all. Simply having a physical space that is open to all is not enough to ensure that our makerspaces are the inclusive spaces that we want them to be. There are a host of reasons that students might feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in a makerspace. Ethnicity & race, religion, gender identity, socioeconomic status, age, ability level, mental health or countless other parts of identity may play a part in a person’s comfort level in a space. We must actively work to embrace diverse makers and to create inclusive spaces. In this presentation, we explore the history of diversity in the maker movement and discuss ways to work against historic inequalities and create environments that empower all members of our communities to become makers and all makers to realize their creative potential.