With its rich agricultural and rural heritage, Nebraska is a place where being self-reliant and finding creative solutions to everyday problems is a way of life. We believe Nebraskans’ special talent in making positions our state to lead a makers’ movement.

April 17-18 the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska Innovation Studio are hosting a workshop to develop a concept for a network of Nebraska makerspaces. The goal: to link communities and foster the state’s culture of making.

This workshop, held at Nebraska Innovation Campus and Nebraska Innovation Studio, is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in making in Nebraska – including educational institutions, libraries, community makerspaces and economic development offices – is encouraged to participate. Limited spots are available and advance registration is required.

Registration link: http://research.unl.edu/events/makerspaceworkshop/

Workshop objectives include:
+ Discussing the ‘state of making’ and makerspaces in Nebraska;
+ Learning about the concept of makerspace networks and how they can become engines for informal STEM learning, innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development; and
+ Identifying technological, economic and geographic barriers to developing a makerspace network and how to overcome those challenges.

April 17 will feature speakers and breakout discussions on the state of making in Nebraska and the potential for a makerspace network. April 18 is optional, offering training in establishing a makerspace and using equipment commonly found in makerspaces, including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers and woodworking tools.