Growing Community-Based Innovation in Nova Scotia

Growing Community-Based Innovation in Nova Scotia March, 2021MAKE

“

“ The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers.

But above all what the world needs most are dreamers that do.

Sarah Ban Breathnach

Make | Growing Community Based Innovation in Nova Scotia

Project Background Nova Scotia’s current Innovation Eco-system model

does not include citizen and community-based innovation

Citizen and Community-based Innovation is an important and necessary part of an inclusive innovation ecosystem

We need to better understand what is currently happening in Nova Scotia as a first step to recognize, celebrate and grow citizen-based innovation


Project Objective

Map citizen innovation spaces across Nova Scotia

Build an inclusive innovation ecosystem model

Develop a roadmap and toolbox to nurture and grow citizen innovation as the foundation for an entrepreneurial and resilient population


Overview

What is the Maker Movement

Why Makerspaces Matter

Makerspaces Across Nova Scotia

A Global View: International Lessons Learned

Growing the Maker Movement: Roadmap & Toolbox

Next Steps

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What is the Maker Movement?


Makerspacesplaces where people with common interests gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge.

Oxford Dictionary

Mak er/mākər/


The Maker Movementa cultural trend that places value on an individual's ability to be a creator of things as well as a consumer of things. In this culture, individuals who create things are called "makers." Makers come from all walks of life, with diverse skill sets and interests. Whatis.com

Mak er/mākər/


Entrepreneurs

Risk Capital

CorporateGovernment

Post-Secondary

The Current Eco-System


Citizen Innovation is Invisible We Don’t Measure or Value Citizen Innovation

Incentives and Supports are linked to CommercializationPlaces to Create are Disappearing


Why Makerspaces Matter


Why it’s important that we think of ourselves as Innovative

Foundational to Prosperity and Resilience.

Turns Capacity into a

Capability.

Creates Life-Long

Learners

Contagious Creates a Culture of

EntrepreneurshipLinked to

Empowerment.


The Democratization of Innovation

Collective invention is the hallmark of a

healthy society. Eric Von Hippel, Democratizing Innovation


Makerspaces Create a Better Nova Scotia

MakerspacesGrow Inclusive Innovation

Makerspaces Make Places

Makerspaces are Grass-Root Economic Drivers

1 2 3


MakerspacesIn Nova Scotia



Nova Scotia Makerspaces

The Maker Map


GO TO MAP

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Grow Inclusive InnovationMakerspaces demonstrate that open innovation is inextricably linked to social innovation, that physical spaces matter, and that community leadership leads to communities of leaders.

About: Blxck House is an urban community space designed to support the development of North Preston children, youth and families. Unique programs and services are designed to fit the needs of residents. Blxck House empowers the community through experiential learning, and spaces for holistic health and healing.

FeesNo fees

Location: Currently operating out of a private home in North Preston Nova Scotia

Feature: Blxck House works with partner organizations to offer programming and experiences for youth such as the partnership with the Surf Association of Nova Scotia which resulted in the North Preston Surf program, and a partnership between Frontier College and the North Preston Literacy program which created North Preston Learners.

COMMUNITY / ART / EXPERIENCES

Blxck House


IMHOTEP

About: Imhotep’s Legacy Academy (ILA) is an innovative university-community partnership that uniquely mobilizes university/college students, faculty and community leaders to help improve student success and bridge the achievement gap for Grades 6-12 students of African heritage in Nova Scotia

FeesNo membership model/ interested users can contact ILA to request access to makerspace

Location: 1360 Barrington Street, Room J134, Main Level, Sexton Memorial Gymnasium Building, Dalhousie University

Feature: The Imhotep Makerspace enables ILA to bring junior high and high school students to Dalhousie to have hands-on experience with general science experiments, basic electrical engineering work with circuits, 3D printing and fabrication, and introductory computer programming.

TECHNOLOGY / COMMUNITY


DIGITAL MI’KMAQ

About: Ulnooweg’s Digital Mi’kmaq program delivers integrated programs, projects and initiatives to help build capacity and establish regenerative economies for Indigenous youth and their communities. Community Based Learning Labs bridge the digital divide providing Indigenous youth and communities with the resources they need to participate equally in the digital economy.

FeesNo Fees

Location: Located in 13 Mi'kmaw Communities throughout Nova Scotia, Digital Mi’kmaq Offices: 5121 Sackville Street, Suite 400-401, Halifax, NS (Ulnooweg Headquarters in Millbrook First Nation)

Feature: Ulnooweg’s Digital Mi’kmaq offers a broad range of innovative educational programming in digital skills programs like artificial intelligence, coding and web development including additional collaborative programs with the Canadian Space Agency, developing community-based greenhouse projects to address food security, inspirational events with Indigenous leaders in STEAM and many, many more.

TECHNOLOGY / COMMUNITY / ART


2Makerspaces Make PlacesMakerspaces are important third spaces which are essential for “civic engagement, civil society, democracy and establishing a sense of belonging. In essence, these spaces enable community development and help individuals to form and retain a sense of identity and cohesion”From Cool Stuff Studios


Wonder’neath

AboutWonder’neath brings professional artists and local residents together to create a neighbourhood deeply connected through the arts. Through the Open Studio, community members have access to equipment and materials in an environment which fosters experimentation and creativity. FeesShared studio work space is located at Wonder’neath and facilitated by artists and open to the public. Annual membership is available, however, the public is not required to be a member to attend open studio

Location2482 Maynard Street, Halifax, NS.

FeatureWonder’neath provides affordable studio space for artists to develop or produce their work or craft and interact with the neighbourhood-based arts studio; fostering the role of practicing artists as creative catalysts and leaders in the community.

COMMUNITY / ART


Annapolis Innovation Lab

AboutThe Annapolis Innovation Lab is a 'design and prototyping studio’ and teaching space, where teens, adults and seniors from the community are able to incorporate leading-edge computer-driven tools and technologies to solve engineering challenges in creative scientific, music and visual arts projects.

FeesWorkshops and special Lab projects are free to participants and are funded through grants from public and private agencies.

Location143 Ritchie Street, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, B0S 1A0

FeatureThe Annapolis Innovation Lab provides a Laboratory for the whole community to learn new skills and work directly with new technologies. The Lab is the hub at the centre of a 'Makers' Network' for the surrounding region.

COMMUNITY / TECHNOLOGY


Wolfville Innovation Lab

AboutThe Innovation Lab, a former CAP site, has a variety of services including computers available for public use, and a fully equipped lab with a smart digital board, digital projector, and web-conferencing capacity. The space also houses a Vive Virtual Reality system and a Media Makery Lab, Audio/Video recording and graphic design studio, as well as sewing machines, a Cricut Maker and more.

FeesThe Innovation lab is supported through public grants.

Location21 Elm Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

FeatureThe Innovation Lab is for anyone who is interested in learning or updating their computer, internet, and digital media creation skills.



Innovation Lab, Discovery Centre

AboutThe Michelin Corporate Foundation Innovation Lab is a creative space where science, technology, engineering, arts, and math crash together in fun, hands-on investigations and immersive activities. The Lab showcases technology such as 3D printers, a laser cutter, computers for coding tutorials, and space for making and tinkering.

FeesInnovation Lab visitation is included with Discovery Centre membership or admission. Lab-based club participation includes a registration fee.

Location1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3S8

FeatureIn the Innovation Lab, clubs like Maker League and camps like Digital Discovery Camp engage youth, ages 8 to 14, from the HRM. Outreach versions of the Digital Discovery Camp are held in communities across mainland Nova Scotia.



Kingston Innovation LabAboutNew visitors to the Kingston Innovation Lab can meet with an Instructor for orientation and training on the equipment. Once proficient, participants are able to book the lab whenever the library is open and use the equipment unsupervised.

FeesThe Innovation lab is supported through public grants.

Location671 Main Street, Kingston, Nova Scotia

FeatureEquipment includes: 3D Printer, 3D Scanner, Cricut Maker, Cricut Heat Press, Brother 3534DT Serger, 2 Janome HD-1000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machines, EV3 LEGO Robotics and more.



CB Centre for Craft and DesignAboutCape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is committed to developing programs that preserve, elevate, expand, and enhance the creation of craft through education and training, exhibitions and special events.

FeesMembership starting at $17.50 for Youth (Current membership 300+)

Location322 Charlotte St, Sydney, NS B1P 1C8

FeatureThe Centre serves the craft community from beginners and recreational practitioners to highly accomplished professionals, offering instruction as well as resource and support services. The Centre operates a retail storefront and runs an artist in residence program.

COMMUNITY / ART


Windsor Maker StudioAboutThe Windsor Maker Studio is dedicated to preserve time-honored skills by passing them on to the next generation. The Studio offers a full sewing studio, a fibre studio, an art studio, a pottery studio, and a woodshop. The Studio also has a large workspace for general instruction which reflects learner interests.

FeesThe Windsor Maker Studio has a full menu of membership fees and per class offerings

Location21 Gerrish Street, Windsor, Nova Scotia

FeatureThe Windsor Maker Studio offers a place where the community can make, learn, teach, gather, collaborate, share, mentor, innovate, build, create, try, buy, sell, and serve

COMMUNITY / ART


MacPhee Centre

AboutThe MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning empowers youth between the ages of 12-19 by connecting passion with purpose through the arts. The Centre is a community hub offering unique programs in visual and performing arts, creative writing, and technology in a safe and inspiring space.

FeesFree for youth 12-19.

Location50 Queen Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1G1 and outreach locations in community. MacPhee Centre hosted programs in 17 different locations in the Halifax region.

FeatureBy bridging the learning gap for those who are disengaged from traditional education, or with barriers to accessing creative learning, the MacPhee Centre helps in the development of confidence, lifelong learning skills, an appreciation for the value in giving back to the community and increased potential for employment in our communities.

COMMUNITY / ART


Life School House

AboutFolkschools are informal learning spaces in communities where neighbors become teachers, sharing arts and traditional skills in small group workshops. Life School House (LSH) is a cooperative of folk schools that pop up in hosted residential spaces where skills are shared exclusively using barter as a means to increase accessibility and inclusion.

FeesLifeSchoolHouse is a not-for-profit with open, community-based membership

LocationLocated in residential spaces across Nova Scotia. Headquartered at 315 Portland St Dartmouth, NS.

FeatureLSH aims to create a world where people feel less isolated and more connected through the act of shared learning experiences. Through sharing skills and knowledge, LSH creates meaningful connections creating more resilient and interconnected communities.

COMMUNITY / ART


Craig Gallery

AboutThe Craig Gallery at Alderney Landing is a public art gallery programmed by a Volunteer Committee made up primarily of Dartmouth Professional Artists. The Gallery’s mission is to introduce the works of emerging and established local artists collectively providing a diversity of mediums.

FeesFree

LocationAlderney Landing, 2 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth, NS.

FeatureThe Craig Gallery Mobile Art Carts were created to give the community a learning/making experience through interactive programming. The Art Carts are staffed by volunteers and offer unique inter-generational, hands-on learning opportunities.

COMMUNITY / ART


Brilliant Labs

AboutBrilliant Labs is a not-for-profit, hands-on technology and experiential learning platform supporting the integration of creativity, innovation, coding, and an entrepreneurial spirit within classrooms and educational curricula.

FeesNo fees - supported through public and private grants.

LocationBrilliant Labs currently hosts 73 makerspaces in schools across Nova Scotia

FeatureBrilliant Labs develops makerspaces in hopes that they will serve as a scholastic or community hub that will support the growth of an innovative population and mindset, providing opportunities for skill development relevant to the interests of the community and the demands of a future knowledge-based economy.

TECHNOLOGY / ART


3Grass Root Economic Drivers

“Makerspaces are hubs of cheap innovation”Mark Hatch, The Maker Movement Manifesto


Halifax Maker Space

AboutThe Halifax Makerspace provides 24/7 access to tools, space, training, and a community of makers. HMS has a dedicated woodworking shop, CNC mill, an electronics lab, sewing machines, tools to support programming, researching and art, a laser cutter, painting and 3D printers.

Fees$50/month, plus a signup fee of $50

Location275 Rocky Lake Drive, Unit 19, Bedford, N.S,

FeatureThe Halifax Maker Space Web-page says it all “ Many of us don’t have multiple workshops populated with all kinds of tools. A Makerspace gives you that. Plus you get access to a community of like-minded people that love to make stuff. Your project could be as simple as an LED name tag or as complex as a larger-than-life art installation. This is the place to learn how and get it done. “It’s kind of like a gym for your brain.”



Nova Scotia Power

AboutThe Nova Scotia Power Makerspace gives Cape Breton start-ups, entrepreneurs, students and other creative minds the place, equipment, materials and education to let them design and build innovative products.

FeesVariety of membership options - see website

LocationSuite 100, 106 Nepean St. Sydney, N.S.

FeatureA creator’s dream, the 4,000 sq.ft. space in Sydney includes a general work area, CNC and manual metal working, waterjet cutter and welding lab, a selection of woodworking tools and a 4X4 CNC router, an electronics/robotics lab, as well as 3D printing abilities, a laser engraver, vacuum former and vinyl printing capabilities



International Perspectives:

Lessons Learned


Mark Hatch: Tech Shop, USA

Makerspaces cannot run on a “for-profit-model” - they all need access to public and private grants.

Key Insight

• Makerspaces provide inventors with a cheap way of producing a prototype by as much as 97%

• Niche products have markets - “more of less”

• Makerspaces Co-Exist well with Co-working spaces, Accelerators and Incubators

• The transformation of software (better, faster, cheaper) has hit hardware and Makerspaces are hardware platforms

• Makerspaces fuel the “personal industrial revolution”


The Fab Foundation (Int’l)

Fab Labs are prescriptive versions of Makerspaces. A Fab Lab in Nova Scotia would provide access to an international network of makers. Local makerspaces provide greater scope for community interests

Key Insight

The largest coordinated Makerspace Movement in the world. 2000 Fab Labs globally, none currently operating in Canada. Grew out of MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms , Head Office in the U.S.

Fab Labs Makerspaces

Fab Labs provide common tools and processes in all locations. This supports the ability to network the Labs as all makers have access to the same equipment and allows makers to move from location to location seamlessly. The list of Fab Lab equipment has been generated by MIT and costs approximately $100,000. There are ongoing costs for staffing and equipment maintenance. Fab Labs that are emerging in developing countries are more reflective of local capacity but are connected to the global network.

Makerspaces are places where people with shared interests gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. Makerspaces are reflective of the community of interest who have gathered to make them which means they differ in every community.

Both Fab Labs and Makerspaces share the credo that community is built in places where people gather and create. The innovation makerspaces in Sydney and Halifax are both reflective of the Fab Lab effort to provide a technology platform to support business development.


Stipo: The Netherlands

The call to preserve spaces was echoed in the interviews with Nova Scotia Makerspaces. Interviewees saw opportunities to work with municipalities to deliberately develop spaces for artists and makers, enriching communities and growing innovation.

Key InsightSTIPO is a placemaking leader operating out of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. STIPO provided leadership on the development of the Art Factory in Amsterdam which includes preservation of urban buildings and spaces for artists and creatives


Boston MakerspaceInstitutions theoretically make good partners for makerspaces from a shared equipment perspective but may not from a shared access perspective. The access issue was echoed by Nova Scotia Makerspaces who believe that once the makerspace is housed in an institution, the community has limited or no access

Key Insight

● Boston Makers shares many of the attributes of the Halifax and Nova Scotia Power Makerspaces. It is membership-based and serves both tinkerers and those with potential business ideas.

● Makerspaces in the US are often neighbourhood-based and ubiquitous. Grants to support makerspaces are available through home cities and through philanthropic organizations.


Growing the Maker Movement:

Roadmap & Toolbox


Roadmap3 Big Ideas

2 BigTruths

TheToolbox


Gamechangers. 3 Big Ideas

Include citizen innovation

in the NS innovation ecosystem

Reserve buildings/spaces in

municipalities for Makers and Creatives

Make Nova Scotia a Destination for Makers and

Creatives


Entrepreneurs

Risk Capital

CorporateGovernment

Post-Secondary

The New Model of Innovation


CITIZEN MAKERS

Gamechangers. 2 Big Truths

Financial Support

Staff &Programming


Makerspace Toolbox

Programming Networking

Best Practices

Tools & Equipment

Celebration

Buildings & Spaces

Financial Model

Allow grants to include staffing as an eligible cost for makerspaces Explore part-credits for university students who animate makerspaces. Connect skilled mentors with makerspaces in vulnerable communities.

Network makerspaces to each other and to small business Encourage seniors to volunteer their time and knowledge to makerspaces.Include Nova Scotians in rural and remote areas through mailed out maker-kits Leverage spaces for makers and creatives as an attraction and retention tool for immigrant artisans and makers.

Showcase makers and creatives through regional “Maker Faires”. Encourage politicians, government leaders, local business and the press to spread the word about makerspaces Invite makerspaces to innovation events as eco-system partners.

Share operating procedures, safety practices and tips on financial management and reporting through networked makerspaces. Share the Nova Scotia Power Makerspace resource, "Makers' Guide to Intellectual Property".

Add makerspaces to government surplus lists Team makerspaces with Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations Encourage seniors, local businesses and others to rehome tools and equipment with makerspaces Expand grant-making to include equipment purchase for makerspaces.

Encourage municipalities to reserve buildings and storefronts for makerspaces and creatives. Find creative ways to reduce rents through co-location Seek ways to make institutional makerspaces more accessible Pilot community access to Brilliant Labs in Nova Scotia

Recognize makerspaces for their economic and social innovation value. Measure the impact of makerspaces on quality of life

Provide makerspaces with advice and guidance on becoming non-for-profits


“

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Making is fundamental to what it means to be human. We must make, create and express ourselves to feel whole. There is

something unique about making physical things. These things are like little pieces of us and seem to embody portions of our souls

Mark Hatch, The Maker Movement Manifesto


Thank You!


Growing Community-Based Innovation in Nova Scotia

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