MadLab is working with the Institute of Education (University College London), the Institute of Making, Knowle West Media Centre in Bristol, and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation on an ambitious two-year “digital skills meets social justice” incubator programme. Its aim is to broaden participation in digital making amongst young people aged 18-29 across Greater Manchester. The first phase of this project comprises a research and development phase, engaging local experts and aspiring young makers alongside their friends and families.

Research shows that makerspaces are overwhelmingly populated with those who are university-educated, or who already have an aspiration to study for a STEM-related career. Through Making Spaces we’re engaging those typically underrepresented in makerspaces – especially those who have missed the opportunity to fully explore and discover creative digital making outside of a classroom.

Our end goal is to create an incubator programme which we can then build into a fully-fledged year-round “cornerstone” programme of creative digital skills – coding, 3D printing, electronics, product design, and more.

You can find out more by visiting the project website here.