ideaLAB Maker in Residence Program

3 previous maker in residenceWhat is a Maker-in-Residence?

The ideaLAB’s Maker-in-Residence (MiR) program allows makers of all types to share their expertise in a craft, creative technology, or any other hands-on DIY hobby with their community at the library.  You don’t have to be a professional artist or a seasoned instructor, just someone with a passion for teaching others about the maker activity you love. 

We want a hands-on experience where people are able to really get a sense of what your skill is all about. Maybe you set up stations for people to practice drawing and painting a still life, maybe you bring in a loom and teach people how to weave, maybe you show off how you can take apart something broken and put it back together again - the possibilities are endless! 

Our ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about making, wants to connect with people, loves to interact with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and has an idea for activities that will allow visitors to our all ages ideaLAB to try out a new skill, experience a new craft, and/or participate in a collaborative project. We will ask to see examples of your work/previous projects as part of our application process. 

Application Process

All interested potential Makers-in-residence should apply online at https://denlib.org/mirapp. The application will ask for:

  • Details about your knowledge or craft 
  • What you would plan to do as a hands-on activity during open lab
  • Any ideas for workshops you would like to present
  • A link to five examples of your work (this can be as simple as photos uploaded to a folder)
  • Details about any experience you might have informally teaching others or working with people

We will be interviewing and selecting candidates on a rolling basis, until all available Maker in Residence positions are filled for 2023.

For a detailed list of our expectations for a future Maker in Residence and how ideaLAB staff will support you, please review this Google Doc.

Still have questions? Talk to the ideaLAB staff at your neighborhood branch or email us at idealabs@denverlibrary.org