The Two Rivers Gallery and Integris Credit Union needed 45,000 reasons to work together, but they made it happen.
MakerLab is one of the biggest success stories the gallery has ever had with its programs and services. The in-house workshop is part art studio, part laboratory, part community gathering spot.
Each Thursday, and for other special events, the MakerLab space is home to hands-on sessions where all kinds of staff-guided and public-guided projects are built from scratch. They can be as low-tech as knitting or as high-tech as 3D printing.
On Wednesday, Integris and Two Rivers Gallery announced a sponsorship partnering arrangement that would see MakerLab's basic needs supported for the next three years, totalling $45,000.
"Integris is all in when it comes to enriching our community," said David Bird, president and CEO of Integris. "MakerLab at the Two Rivers Gallery is a collaborative space where anyone can go to try something new. The lab provides the tools and talent to make, create and educate and it's a great 'maker-tunity' to explore one's inspired side. At Integris we encourage curiosity, creativity and community and this partnership is the perfect manifestation of people and place coming together to support rich cultural and creative learning in our region."
As a way of showing thanks to Integris for the support, the credit union's members will receive discounted rates on gallery memberships, which additionally provide discounted rates to anyone who signs on for annual gallery subscriptions. A MakerLab membership provides holders with free access to special Open Make Nights and the use of MakerLab's array of specialized equipment. Integris pledged to host a quarterly Open Make Night for added fun and public interaction.
"We believe that it is in our nature to create, whether by knitting, painting, building, tinkering or countless other ways. Through MakerLab we can bring these creative individuals together where they can learn and share with each other," said MakerLab coordinator Laura Sapergia.
Carolyn Holmes, the gallery's managing director, added that "this new partnership is a perfect fit; a local organization which works every day to make our community a better place with a community space which encourages everyone to do the same."
First opened in September 2013, MakerLab has already won the BC Museums Association Award of Merit and was cited in a British Columbia Museum Association keynote address by museologist Tim Willis as an example of innovation in museums in our own province.
In addition to random people who come to the Thursday sessions, the place has also spawned the annual Mini MakerFaire event in fall, key partnerships with the BC Cancer Agency, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, UNBC, the Likely Community Forest, StartUp Prince George and Pechakacha to name a few.
The partnership begins immediately. As part of Winter Festival Celebrations in the city, the public is invited to a public launch party tonight at the gallry where people can join MakerLab members in hands-on activities.
Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.
