Creative Technology Residency At MakerLabs

Expand your creative possibilities with technology! Creative Technology is a broad topic with many different approaches and definitions. Residents that complete this program will gain a solid foundation in electronics prototyping, soldering, CAD modeling, digital fabrication with 3D printing, and artistic expression through physical computing.

Learn

In the first month, residents will partake in weekly classes on Wednesday evenings to acquaint themselves with the vast array of tools available at MakerLabs. This allows for their seamless integration into creative technology projects.

Classes include:

●      Soldering and electronic tools 101

●      Fusion 360 and 3D printing 101

●      Arduino and electronics 101

●      Arduino and electronics 102

Classes will be run as a project-build series with weekly exercises in between classes for residents to practice and refine their new skills.

During the first month, in addition to the weekly classes, residents will embark on a journey of discovery with an Arduino starter kit, provided as part of the residency package. This comprehensive kit includes a variety of components and sensors, allowing for a wide range of experimentation and project possibilities. Residents are encouraged to explore and understand the fundamentals of electronics and programming through hands-on experience with the kit. This explorative phase will lay a solid foundation for self-directed projects in the following month, enabling residents to confidently apply their newfound knowledge in creative and innovative ways.

Support/Mentorship

Throughout the residency, in addition to classes, there will be 3 hours of in-person support per week on Sunday afternoons, in which you can meet with the residency instructor for assistance and development of your project.

In their first month, residents will be paired with a mentor from the previous cohort for assistance on their projects. During the second, month you will act as a mentor for the next group of residents while also working on creating your project.

Become part of a community

In addition to weekly scheduled activities, residents are strongly encouraged to meet up and coordinate build sessions with other residents to collaborate and learn together.

MakerLabs hosts monthly electronic meet-ups, the first Thursday of each month, in which residents can share their projects, ideas, skills, get help, and engage with like-minded creatives outside the residency program. At the end of your residency, you will showcase your projects created during the residency at the monthly meet-up.

DETAILS OF RESIDENCY

Required

●      A laptop running Windows 10, OS X 11 or newer. Please ensure your laptop has a USB-A port, if it only has USB-C ports, please bring an adapter.

●      Participants must be computer literate; they must type a minimum 30 wpm, know how to save and manage files, use an internet browser, connect a usb device etc.  

●      Clear project idea(s)

Age Limit
18+

Length of residency
2 months

No. of residents per month
Max 4

Residency Package

$895 + Any consumable materials residents may use* 

  • MakerLabs Extended Hours Membership + member benefits (2 months, 7 days/week, 9am - 9pm)

  • Take home kit of electronics including an Arduino Uno, breadboard, displays, motors, LEDs, and more.

  • Access to our electronics lab, studio space, and project storage

  • Access to prototyping equipment including:

    • Hardware Components, Sensors, Actuators (Including Arduino and Raspberry Pi)

  • 4 Classes: Soldering and Electronic Tools 101, Fusion 360 and 3D printing 101, Arduino and Electronics 101, Arduino and Electronics 102

  • Platform to share/exhibit work

  • Consultation and peer mentorship in the following areas:

    • hardware prototyping (embedded systems design)

    • interaction design

    • sound installation

    • Large scale LED creation

    • CAD design/manufacturing

    • custom fabrication (wood, metal, plastics)

    • Interactive art

    • PCB design and manufacturing

What is expected from each resident

Month 1:
Attend all classes on the first four Wednesday evenings of the first month, engage in weekly mini-projects, attend Sunday afternoon support sessions, commence independent project work, and maintain a digital presence through an introductory blog post and weekly Instagram posts.

Month 2:
Step into a mentor's shoes by supporting the new cohort of residents, continue to develop personal projects, and keep the digital narrative going through mid-residency and end-of-residency blog posts, alongside weekly Instagram updates.

Residency commitment
This residency is subsidized and includes early access to the building, workspace, and support.  In return we require the following from our residents:

●      Residents must be at MakerLabs a minimum of 15 hours a week to be committed to the program. This includes class time, time spent meeting with mentors / mentees, and time spent working on projects.

●      Residents must attend all scheduled classes on Wednesday Evenings from 6pm to 9pm during the first month. Residents may also attend the weekly support sessions through the residency, on Sunday afternoons. All other hours are flexible but we encourage working in groups and meeting up with your mentor / mentee on a weekly basis.

●      Residents must document their experiences and work completed during the residency. This includes submitting posts for our Instagram account at least once a week.  We also require three posts on our blog over the duration of the residency (one introductory post, one mid-way through post, and one post upon completion of the program).

Accommodation and travel
This must be arranged by the resident. 

Project legacy

  • All intellectual property will remain in possession of the residents

  • Any documentation may be shared by MakerLabs through our website, social media, etc.