Fourteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

How does a “Makerspace” become more than a buzz word? How can it foster collaboration and success - especially for students who are underrepresented in the Arts & Technology world? We’ll explore how BMCC’s (The Borough of Manhattan Community College) students used the school’s new Makerspace to create a strong community, create projects that reflect their unique perspective on the world, and make big academic and career strides. BMCC is the largest Community College in New York City, serving over 24,00 students - many of them the first in their family to pursue a college degree. 70% of the student body identifies as Black/African American/Hispanic or Latino, and the school has students from over 155 countries. This uniquely diverse setting has the potential to be at the forefront of social, economical and moral reform as America (and much of the rest of the Western World) confronts inequality and racism. As a professor in BMCC’s “Media Arts & Technology Department” and one of the person in charge of building and managing the new Makerspace, I am a direct witness to how Art, Technology and the DIY spirit at play there can change lives.