Our first year of Machspace

Aim

We're setting up a non-profit makerspace in Machynlleth! We're hoping to raise money to cover some expenses during our first year.

What's the plan?

We're starting a makerspace/hackspace in the middle of Machynlleth!

If you haven't encountered a makerspace before, it's a bit like getting a gym membership, except instead of getting access to rowing machines and weights you usually get something like:

• A big space with lots of tables and chairs
• 3D printers
• Sewing machines
• Woodworking tools
• Laser cutters
• Photocopiers
• Smaller kit like pyrography, heat guns, etc.
• Comfy seating area
• A little kitchen with a kettle and a microwave and some snacks-for-donation
• ... and basically anything else the members want to use and are willing to raise funds to buy!

There are dozens across the UK and the world. It's an important community resource, helping people to meet other like-minded makers and hackers, and providing the space and equipment that people might not be able to have at home.

What will you do with the donations?

We'll provide a comfortable space for people to really get into their creative projects together or solo, with regular open days so that anyone can come in and see what we're about.

So far we have a 3D printer, a sewing machine and a badge-maker, because they're fairly portable items that people might not have the space or regular need for at home. Once we have premises we will expand our range of equipment that members will be able to use - and we've even had many kind offers of equipment (lends and gifts) from prospective members.

All four directors are disabled and/or neurodivergent in some way, and some of us are trans, so we have a keen interest in fostering an accessible and inclusive space.

We've already met so many enthusiastic people through our open days and had lots of responses to our community survey, so we can't stop now - we're all willing to work hard and do what it takes to reach all the people who can benefit from what we want to provide together. We are excited to establish ourselves as a long term resource bang in the middle of an environmentally-minded and underfunded town with a supportive community that is second-to-none!

What have you been up to so far?

Our open days have been well-attended, and we think we have enough prospective members that it will be financially viable with premises as a non-profit run by volunteers, but we need your help to get started in the form of a financial boost via donations.

At the moment we have a little bit of change in the bank, and we've also been awarded a small grant by the Naturesave Trust to buy some portable equipment, which is about to make the open days a lot more interesting.

Who are you?

We are four creative and environmentally-minded humans living in Machynlleth, Powys, Wales/Cymru, and we're almost ready. With your help we'll be able to take the leap and bring our vision into reality.

In various ways we have all struggled to socialise and exist comfortably in a society where most hangout spaces are oriented around food or alcohol. We are very passionate about providing a space for everyone in the community to make, destroy, recycle, mend and skill-share together - but especially neurodivergent and marginalised people like ourselves.

What are these gold and silver coins then?

Here's a photo:

What if you don't reach the target?

We're a non-profit run by volunteers, and our overheads are very low at the moment. If we don't get enough funds to put down roots, the money will keep safe until we find somewhere cheaper or until we have enough through donations.

Like all CICs we have an asset lock, which means that if our CIC folds all funds have to go into another good cause instead of being paid out to shareholders.

Where can I find out more?

Our website is machspace.org.

To find out more about makerspaces/hackspaces in the UK in general, visit hackspace.org.uk.

This project successfully funded on 28th August 2023