Whenever possible, serve delicious MAKESPACE-CULTURE-MADE food. Adopt the motto, “Never Pizza!”
Food is a universal language, a gateway to culture, and a powerful tool for community-building. In this white paper, I argue that makerspaces should incorporate fully equipped kitchens and treat them as valuable workshop spaces. Furthermore, I suggest the creation of digital living cookbooks and the hosting of potluck events to supercharge makerspace culture. I also explore innovative approaches to catering events and address the issue of alcohol in makerspaces.
Introduction:
Makerspaces are hubs of creativity and innovation. While traditionally focused on hands-on making and technology, they can greatly benefit from the integration of culinary arts. Food preparation and sharing have long been vehicles for cultural exchange and community building. In this paper, we outline why every makerspace should consider the inclusion of a kitchen, digital living cookbooks, potluck events, and thoughtful approaches to event catering and alcohol consumption.
The Inclusive Kitchen:
Setting Up a Kitchen: Every makerspace should have a kitchen setup, regardless of size, that can serve at least 25 people. Even a modest food preparation space can become a focal point for community engagement.
Workshop Approach: Run the kitchen like any other makerspace workshop, offering classes and booking options for personal use. Provide access to various kitchen tools and equipment to facilitate learning and experimentation.
The Digital Living Cookbook:
Collaborative Recipe Collection: Encourage makerspace stakeholders to contribute their favorite recipes to a digital living cookbook. This platform can serve as a dynamic repository of culinary knowledge.
Potluck Events: Host regular potluck gatherings where makerspace members can share homemade dishes, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural exchange.
Event Catering:
Supporting Local Businesses: Consider collaborating with small, local restaurants to provide catering for makerspace events. This not only offers diverse and delicious options but also supports small businesses.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Small restaurateurs often offer quality meals at reasonable prices, making them an attractive choice for makerspace events.
Alcohol in Makerspaces:
Safety First: Prohibit hard liquor on-site due to potential safety risks around hazardous equipment.
Moderate Consumption: Be cautious with beer and wine. While alcohol can facilitate social interaction, limit consumption to ensure the safety of makerspace users.
Conclusion:
Food is a powerful tool for fostering culture and community within makerspaces. By incorporating fully equipped kitchens, developing digital living cookbooks, hosting potluck events, and approaching event catering thoughtfully, makerspaces can create vibrant and inclusive spaces that go beyond traditional making and technology. These initiatives can lead to stronger connections among makerspace members, promote cultural exchange, and enhance the overall experience of these innovative hubs.
As makerspaces continue to evolve, their commitment to food and community can serve as a model for fostering creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity among diverse groups of individuals.
Artwork: Young Me Roh; I Am Not Yours, I Am You