DTLA Mini Maker Faire – Hosted by LAPL Central Lib
Los Angeles Public Library, Calif.
Innovation Synopsis
A Mini Maker Faire combines a science fair with a community festival, bringing together hobbyists, scientists, artists and engineers to showcase their creations to the public. We began hosting LA’s first Maker Faire in 2016, growing it from 12 exhibitors that first year to more than 50 exhibitors in 2017.
Challenge/Opportunity
LAPL strives to meet the needs of Angelenos of all ages to engage in fun, informal STEAM learning opportunities. We provide a forum – a gathering place – for tech companies, makers and science clubs in LA to congregate where the wider community can enjoy their offerings and learn something new. By hosting the first-ever LA-based Mini Maker Faire, LAPL fostered community learning and inspiration through the enjoyment of STEAM activities.
Key Elements of Innovation
We started small in 2016 with a dozen exhibitors, who were primarily partners in our STEAM initiative, such as LA Makerspace and Iridescent, as well as LAPL librarians. Building incrementally in 2017, we invited the Los Angeles community of makers, science clubs, hobby-scientists and crafters, who showcased robots, light-up ballet shoes, origami, virtual reality, DIY soil testers, fairy houses and much more. Our extensive, multi-faceted outreach campaign netted us more than 1,800 visitors!
Achieved Outcomes
By optimizing outreach efforts through sharing promotional resources with our partners, the 2017 DTLA (Downtown LA) Mini Maker Faire achieved our goals of (1) providing an event for LA’s diverse community of makers to share creations and mingle with peers and fans; and (2) attracting a huge (1,800+) all-ages crowd to our free, family-friendly STEAM event. Surveys indicate both makers and attendees had a wonderful time and plan to attend the eagerly anticipated 2018 Faire.