Modular Library Makerspaces for Heritage Crafts Innovation and Digitization

Make-a-thek creates modular, replicable set-ups of makerspaces in public libraries providing access to innovative and circular approaches to fashion and crafts.

Based on extensive mapping and co-creation, make-a-thek will create a resource toolkit and open educational resources for modular fashion and craft focussed makerspaces in libraries and will test their application in at least 9 European and 3 international pilot trials.

During these trials, target communities of practitioners and prosumers (engaged citizens) will learn from each other by co-designing and piloting new ways of digitising heritage craft and linking them to digital fabrication techniques. They will also create and share new tools, techniques, skills, and culture for circularity in fashion and craft.

This approach is in line with the New European Bauhaus principles: It is inclusive, as it democratises access to innovation technologies by creating new public infrastructures and inviting all citizens to engage in the green transition. It is sustainable as it opens up ways to contribute to the circular society.

It is also enriching, as it enables people’s self-expression through fashion and crafts.

With a focus on social innovation, the project aims to create impact on four dimensions that are aligned with the work programme and will be measured according to their Societal Readiness Levels: 1) Supporting New Prosumers in Fashion and Crafts, 2) Establishing Public Libraries as Hubs for Circular Knowledge and Creation for All, 3) Preservation of Heritage Crafts through Digital Innovation and Skill Building, 4) Circularity and Green Innovation for Fashion and Crafts.

Make-a-thek aims to scale its results beyond the pilot trails in libraries through a networking and embedding approach and an exploitation Guide aimed at other Cultural and Creative Sectors and Cultural Heritage stakeholders.