About the Maker-in-Residence Program
The Portage District Library’s Maker-in-Residence program brings creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning to our community. This program invites makers, artists, and creators from all backgrounds to work on a project, share their skills, and engage with library patrons through workshops and events. Each residency lasts eight weeks and includes a $1,000 stipend, access to library resources, and a dedicated space to create.
Makers of all kinds—whether working with fiber, wood, metal, digital design, code, or experimental media—bring new ideas to life and inspire the next generation of creators.
For Those Interested in Applying
Portage District Library is looking for passionate makers who want to share their craft and connect with the community. Browse the requirements and further details below, then fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
As a Maker-in-Residence, you will:
- Develop and showcase a creative project.
- Lead hands-on workshops or talks.
- Collaborate with library staff and patrons.
Examples of skills or crafts:
If you’re unsure whether your craft is a good fit, explore the example projects below. These are just ideas—we welcome unexpected and unique creations. Makers from all disciplines and experience levels are encouraged to apply.
- Fiber Artists & Crafters: Knit a collaborative tapestry or teach patrons how to crochet their first scarf.
- Woodworkers & Metalworkers: Build a functional art piece for the library and run tool safety or beginner building classes.
- Digital Artists & Coders: Design a digital mural, teach coding basics, or help patrons create their own 3D-printed designs.
- Inventors & Engineers: Prototype a small invention and host design-thinking workshops.
- Painters & Collage Artists: Create a mural or a large-scale mixed-media piece to display in the library, and guide patrons through painting or collage sessions to explore their creativity.
- Sculptors: Craft an installation piece inspired by the library’s mission, and run workshops where participants can experiment with clay, wire, or found-object sculpture techniques.
The Maker in Residence will:
- Be an adult 18+
- Deliver a minimum of 20 hours of publicly-visible work at the Makerspace. These hours will include drop-in hours for patrons to observe you at work and learn from you, structured programs, and a collaborative project.
- Teach at least two public workshops about their craft to members of the Portage District Library community. These workshops will not exceed four hours of the 20-hour residency. They can be targeted to specific age groups.
- Design an interactive element for the public to engage in. This could include a wide variety of options, such as hands-on activities, a shared craft or art piece, or a different idea of your choosing.
- Work with Makerspace Staff to develop any handouts or promotional material.
- Come to the Makerspace on time and ready to engage with the public and share your expertise.
- Live in the greater Kalamazoo area and be responsible for transportation.
- Ensure that all necessary documentation for compensation be submitted BEFORE the residency begins.
- Receive a $1,000 stipend at the completion of the 8-week residency.
- Receive up to $500 for materials and supplies for items made during the residency. The Maker is responsible for any supplies for their own projects.
- Have the use of all of the equipment and technology in the Makerspace.
- Have their work exhibited at the Portage District Library.
- Understand that the any collaborative projects made during the residency are the property of the Portage District Library.