Member Article

Huddersfield, a Maker Town for the future

A group of Huddersfield artists, crafts people and creative businesses are getting together to make sure the town’s tradition of highly skilled crafts, industry and innovation flourishes in the 21st century.

Together, they have launched a “maker space” in the town centre – a shared workspace where individuals with a wide range of practical skills including textiles, digital technology, traditional crafts, engineering, fine art and electronics, can work side by side, share their knowledge and collaborate to produce new ideas for products, start-up companies and artworks.

The new initiative, called The Making Space, has its home at The Media Centre, and as well as a workspace, it will have shared equipment such as a 3D printer, Arduino mini-computers, sewing machines and a laser cutter that members can use to build and test prototypes of their ideas and put small projects into production.

Amy Hirst, a Huddersfield artist and one of the founder members of The Making Space said: “Huddersfield is a town built on making, and it has an amazing range of skilled people from all sorts of backgrounds that can contribute to its future.

“For example, people might think that textiles is a traditional industry, but actually it’s always been high tech. The invention of computers was based on the punch cards used in weaving, and these days textile designers in Huddersfield are working with scientists to explore nano-scale new materials. The Making Space will encourage these kinds of collaborations so that new innovations can happen.”

The new initiative has already won the support of Councillor Julie Stewart-Turner, whose ward covers the town centre. Julie commented: “It is always a pleasure to see what wonderful things people can make happen when they work positively together.

“I’m excited to see what will come from this new venture. It provides a great opportunity for many people to be inspired and to develop their ideas. I wish them lots of success.”

The Making Space welcomes people with all skill levels, from beginners to experts. “It’s a friendly place for learning and sharing that anyone can join,” said Rachael Walker. “We’ve already run community workshops and events, including a making day for children and families at Huddersfield Library, and craft sessions for grownups at Coffee Evolution and we will be doing lots more in The Making Space and in the town centre. It’s a place where people can come and work together as a hobby or part of a business, or both.”

Three of the founder members of The Making Space are graduates of the University of Huddersfield’s renowned textile department, and the resources the space offers will be a stepping stone to support students who want to live and work in the town.

“Lots of people like me come to Huddersfield to study and then want to stay and start their own business” said Kim Searle, one of the graduates. “The Making Space will be an easy way for those people to connect to the creative community in Huddersfield. It’s a grass roots organisation made up of people who live and work here, so we always know what is going on in the town.”

The new initiative will be housed at and supported by The Media Centre, Huddersfield’s long-established hub for technology businesses.

Brent Woods, CEO of the Media Centre said: “The maker movement is part of the new wave of technology innovation, bridging the gap between digital and physical worlds and putting new, low cost design and manufacturing tools into the hands of creative people.

’‘It’s our mission to support the economy and the culture of the town, so it’s great to be working with The Making Space and be the first to bring that to Huddersfield town centre.“

As well as manufacturing and innovation, The Making Space is drawing on another northern invention that changed the world. Vasiliki Skeptari said: “Co-operatives were invented in the north of England and spread worldwide. The Making Space is a co-operative, and in return for a monthly membership (of £10), members get 24 hours access to the workspace, shared equipment and an equal vote in running the organisation. Any spare money we have goes into our activities and buying new equipment for members to use.’’

Commenting on what makes The Making Space different, Andrew Wilson added: “What sets this creative space apart from some of the others is an inclusive and unique offer which allows artists and designers from all disciplines, along with people who are just interested in being creative, to work alongside each other.’’

Through its accessibility, inclusive ethos and low cost, The Making Space will engage with the community in a more comprehensive way and offer opportunities to share and create ideas that benefit the whole town.

To get involved and become a member, contact the group through social media: @the_makingspace or www.facebook/themakingspacehudds

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Katie Mallinson .