December 6-7, 2021

Capitol Hill Maker Faire

Nation of Makers, along with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Congressional Maker Caucus, will host the 6th Annual 2021 Capitol Hill Maker Faire on Monday and Tuesday, Dec 6th and 7th. This year, due to Capitol restrictions, the Faire will again be held virtually on the Zoom and Gather platforms. This dynamic event will continue to celebrate trends and drivers of the popular Maker Movement.

Making embraces innovation, creativity, and learning to improve communities and create a better future. The movement draws together tech enthusiasts, crafters, families, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, scientists, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors to explore invention, creativity and resourcefulness. This year’s theme, “Building a Better World: Resiliency through Making”, will explore the opportunity that  the diverse U.S. and global maker movements provide for resiliency -- in education, workforce, economics, and community. 

The first day’s panel series will feature leaders in making from libraries, museums, academic institutions, the federal government, and the private sector, who will discuss the tremendous impact of and resilience provided by makers across the United States. Panels will address the critical role of the library and museum makerspaces in ensuring resilient, equitable education opportunities; the role of community makerspaces in establishing community resilience in diverse communities across the U.S.; the impact of the movement on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic (and the promise of the movement in developing a nimble and responsive disaster resilience); the role of makerspaces and maker organizations in economic and workforce development, entrepreneurship and the development of vibrant, innovative communities across the United States.

The next day’s online Faire, free and open to children, families, and people of all ages, will welcome numerous exhibitors from across the U.S., representative of the breadth of the American maker movement. Interactive online exhibits will engage, educate, and amuse American policymakers, staffers, and citizens, young and old, rural and urban, alike.

Driven by engineers, hobbyists, tinkerers, crafters, artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators, the U.S. maker movement is changing the face of education, is breathing new life and innovation into American manufacturing, and is strengthening American communities and their economy. It will be a fun and interactive event for members of Congress, staff, and the public.

"The Maker Movement has always been about getting tools, and technology into the hands of more people," said Congressman Mark Takano of California, co-chair of the Maker Caucus. "The Capitol Hill Maker Faire is a great way for Congress to see up close how Makers are adapting technology to democratize manufacturing.” 

Registration is free, but required for attendance on both days. Register to attend the Faire today!