Open Works
Founded in 2016, Open Works is one of America's largest nonprofit makerspaces, offering extensive educational programs, workshops, and resources to support a diverse community of makers and artists.
Company Overview
Founded in 2016, Open Works is one of America's largest nonprofit makerspaces. Located in a 34,000 square foot facility, the organization provides extensive resources and support for makers, artists, and entrepreneurs. Open Works aims to foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration through a variety of programs and resources tailored to diverse needs.
Facilities and Resources
Open Works provides access to a wide range of equipment and workshops. The facility includes seven workshops and a computer lab, offering tools and resources in areas such as textiles, electronics, 3D printing, digital media, wood, metal, and digital fabrication. Membership at Open Works grants access to these resources, enabling users to engage in various creative and manufacturing processes.
Educational Programs
Open Works emphasizes education by working with over 1,000 young people each year. The organization offers a variety of classes and programming in wood, metal, digital fabrication, sewing, and embroidery. Additionally, Open Works provides youth programs such as Maker Camp and the Teen Maker Program, fostering the development of practical skills and creativity in young participants.
Community Initiatives
Open Works actively engages with the community through free events including OpenMic, OpenTalks, Art Club, Quilting Club, and Game Night. The organization supports workforce development through programs like the Baltimore Sewn Trades Training Program and the Makers Unite CAD Training Program. Open Works also spearheaded the Makers Unite project, a collaborative initiative to address PPE shortages in 2020.
Business Supportand Services
In addition to its educational and community-focused initiatives, Open Works supports small businesses and individual makers by offering micro-studios starting at $185 per month. The organization also provides contract fabrication services including prototyping, short-run manufacturing, signage production, and custom architectural fabrication. Through a partnership with the Rubys Artist Grant program, Open Works offers direct funding of up to $15,000 to Baltimore-area artists.