Amazeum Launches Maker in Residence Program
Museum to become a hub for connecting science, technology, art, design and play
BENTONVILLE, Ark. (April 23, 2018) A new experiment in creativity brings national and regional makers to The Scott Family Amazeum. The Maker in Residence program creates opportunities for creative makers and artists to develop key partnerships within the region to collaborate in the development of interactive community exhibits and experiences.
Already a destination for families, the Amazeum is positioned to become an important catalyst for accelerating the collaboration between the creative and curious in the region. As the arts and technology communities continue to grow and thrive, opportunities to experiment and promote an integrated, STEAM-infused design process becomes more important in connecting the creative community.
The Maker in Residence Program establishes the Amazeum as a hub where art, science, technology, design and play connect to develop, design and prototype innovative experiences for the community.
Were excited to be entering a new phase in our commitment to bringing high-quality, creative and educational experiences to the community, said Amazeum Executive Director Sam Dean. We recognize the importance placed on building creativity into social and economic platforms in Northwest Arkansas and how important it is to support a culture of making in our community. We are looking forward to upcoming projects with partners like artist and engineer Mark Perez and the Life Size Mouse Trap performance troupe, and artist Danny Scheible, the creator of Tapagami, as they will truly show what we are all able to do together.
The Maker in Residence Program connects artists with engineers, craftspeople and technologists in many different fields to experiment and collaborate to push the boundaries of design and develop a framework for infusing innovative, unique experiences in the public domain. Through existing partnerships with internationally recognized museums, the Amazeum is leveraging this deep knowledge to advance our collective capabilities as a designer and builder of public experiences. Initial discussions with community partners last fall which centered on creating unique experiences in communities across Northwest Arkansas grew into the Maker in Residence Program.
The Amazeum will host national and regional makers during the next year as part of the Maker in Residence Program. Throughout the year, several makers from across the United States and throughout the Northwest Arkansas Region will experiment at the Amazeum on participatory installations and permanent builds. During their stay, the community will have the opportunity to interact with makers as part of the creative process. The Amazeum will support a group of regional makers, like Eugene Sargent, to build a base for creatives to collaborate and cultivate a broader maker ecosystem. Sargent debuted a prototype of a new interactive piece - called Smashography at the Amazuems UnGala FUNdraiser.
The Maker in Residence Program is funded through a grant from the Walton Family Foundation with additional support from Bob and Theresa Arvin.
