FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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IMLS Press Contact
Giuliana Bullard, 202-653-4799
gbullard@imls.gov
IMLS Hosts the Capitol Hill Maker Faire June 21
Save the Date to See Making in Action
Washington, DC—The Maker Movement returns to Washington, D.C., this summer as the Institute of Museum and Library Services, in collaboration with the Congressional Maker Caucus, hosts a free celebration of making on Capitol Hill. The second annual IMLS Capitol Hill Maker Faire, on June 21, will explore trends and drivers of the Maker Movement. It is part of a citywide slate of activities that includes the White House National Week of Making, June 17-23, and the National Maker Faire, June 18-19.
“We are delighted to again to present the Capitol Hill Maker Faire with the Congressional Maker Caucus. Museums and libraries are squarely at the forefront of the Maker Movement. It fits naturally with their work to provide informal self-directed, collaborative, and iterative learning opportunities and to encourage creativity and innovation,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew.
“The Capitol Hill Maker Faire is an opportunity for Makers from across the nation to share their projects and stories with Members of Congress. It is always inspiring to learn about the different ways Makers are improving our communities and providing students with hands-on educational experiences.” said Congressman Mark Takano of California, co-chair of the Maker Caucus. “Last year’s inaugural event was an awesome display of creativity and innovation, and I expect this year’s Faire will continue that tradition.”
The day kicks off with a panel series featuring national Maker leaders, as well as representatives from the libraries, museums, academia, and the private sector on the cutting edge of the movement. A highlight of last year’s event, the panels are again expected to draw standing-room-only crowds. Members of the public, members of Congress, and Congressional staff interested in attending should reserve their seats early.
The evening faire will feature approximately 30-40 exhibitors with hands-on displays, such as robots, crafts, 3D printers, and other new manufacturing tools. It is free and open to families and the public, but registration is requested.
Both the faire and panels are open to the press; Press should RSVP to gbullard@imls.gov or 202-653-4799.
Date: June 21, 2016
Time: Panels (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and Faire (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Panel Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Room B-339, 45 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.
Faire Location: Rayburn House Office Building Cafeteria, 45 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free, but registration requested. Members of the public who wish to be notified when registration opens can sign up hereand stay up to date on social media by following #CapMakerFaire.
Panel Schedule
Times:
11:00 a.m. Opening Panel
12:00 a.m. Innovation and Art in Making Panel
1:00 p.m. Making and Manufacturing Panel
2:00 p.m. The Federal Government and Making
3:00 p.m. Making in Education Panel
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Congressional Maker Caucus
The Congressional Maker Caucus is a bi-partisan group of 36 members of the United States Congress who recognize the importance of the community of makers who use technologies such as 3-D printers, CNC machines, laser cutting machines and other manufacturing technologies that enable anyone, from individuals to small and large companies, to craft, build and create, rather than just consume. Follow on Twitter: @Maker Caucus