Makerspace Feasability Study
Heart of Ellsworth, an Ellsworth based non-profit that promotes artistic, economic, environmental, cultural, and historic activities in Ellsworth, received a grant from Maine Community Foundation in 2021 to conduct a feasibility study that will be used for Proof of Concept for a Makerspace in the downtown Ellsworth area.
A makerspace is a building outfitted for various uses by artists and their community. For the sake of this study, the makerspace is roughly defined as a collaborative art work space for making, learning, exploring, and sharing. The space might provide affordable private workspace for artists, equipment sharing, short term multi use space for the community, artist retail and promotion, gallery, and exhibition space as well as educational and creative experiences for all ages.
The makerspace will act as a driver for the area’s creative economy as a multi-disciplinary Arts hub for area artists and the Downeast community. The makerspace will achieve this goal by building awareness for the Arts in Downeast Maine, create opportunities for area artists, generate income for surrounding businesses, enhance Ellsworth’s downtown experience and offerings, engage individuals and families in the community, and attract visitors to the region.
For Ellsworth, transforming a large, central downtown building into a makerspace will have many positive outcomes for the community. These include:
Support and Build Community
Create a Business Resource Center
Enliven our Main Street with creative energy and activities
Strengthen the regional entrepreneur ecosystem
Increase collaboration
This feasibility study, through surveys and focus groups, assesses the interest, and needs of area artists and the community. Market research clarifies the viability of revenue streams, receptivity of Arts programming in the area, foot traffic estimates, membership formats, and possible partnerships and collaborations. It was intended that the study would help formulate a solid and sustainable business model that Heart of Ellsworth can provide to an interested party to bring to fruition.
