The MadJax building in Muncie is part of the growing trend of makerspaces.
MadJax, in Muncie, Indiana, is a makerspace, that allows for its clients or artists the freedom to invent and share ideas among their “office spaces.”
Jennifer Greene, the Director of Operations at MadJax, says makerspaces like madjax the future of workplaces.
According to Makerspaces.com, a makerspace is a collaborative work environment that usually encourages the use of new technologies as a means for education and innovation.
Makerspaces are popping up in communities and regions across the U.S. If companies and organizations stick to a collaborative work environment.
North America has almost 483 makerspaces spread out across the country, according to hackerspaces.org. This is a growing trend. The top states with the most makerspaces are California with 93, New York with 42, and Texas with 41. All of these states together take up 25% of the of the most makerspaces in the U.S. total, according to acceleratingbiz.com.
Laura Romano, a professor at Ball State University who taught a course in makerspaces, says, makerspaces allow cities to change from being old industrial to having a “hip-cottage industrial appearance.” This paves the way for sharing ideas among clients and encouraging interaction, according to Romano.
“Makerspaces help clients practice their skills with useful tools that promote a design movement,” states Greene.
MadJax has many different amenities to offer, such as a Design Lab that holds a 3D printer, a laser cutter, and high-end fashion tools. The company also allows artists to rent out a maker studio if they desire. MadJax and its makerspaces are forever evolving based on the needs of its members and providing high-end tools at an affordable cost. Greene believes that MadJax should not be just a resource for its clients, but also a resource for the public and community.
“MadJax’s primary focus as a company is to be a non-profit organization that explores STEM(science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) while encouraging the arts such as sculpture making among individuals who are seeking a collaborative environment,”says Greene.
“Everyone is a maker,” Green says. “MadJax is a melting pot of all skill sets and talents, which creates a more diverse community, and by doing so attracts small businesses.”
The Tribune ShowPrint, run by Kim and Rob Miller, once began as a small business that grew in the hands of MadJax. Kim Miller, as a former Purdue student and art teacher, had a love for print and brought the Tribune ShowPrint to MadJax.
Kim says she enjoys the collaborative environment of MadJax.
“Everyone here is a mentor; everyone asks questions and helps others,” she says. “By doing so you are able to expand on what you are able to do and make incredible things.”
The Tribune ShowPrint creates many letterpress posters, show cards, and letter cards which are enhanced with tie-dye and stand out as ads at carnivals.
Romano says Makerspaces are vital for towns that are desolate as they bring back some vibrancy to old spaces.
Whether bringing back life into a community or providing essential tools needed for the growth of a company, you can expect to see more makerspaces appearing in the near future.
“MadJax creates a sense of belonging and opportunity,”Greene says.
