Atlanta's Inclusive Makerspace Needs Your Support

MASS Collective is a place where artists, makers, creatives, and fabricators can learn, build community and grow their craft and business. A place that is inclusive; it seeks out representation for POC, Queer and Femme communities, holds strong community culture to ensure their safety, is dedicated to learning and listening to its members and is run by a queer woman.

That was my dream and my hope when I joined a small group of people back in 2012 to launch MASS Collective. I’m Gabi, the executive director, non-profit founder, and dreamer behind MASS Collective.

As I look to the future, we are facing the challenge of affordable physical space to maintain our programs. Atlanta’s commercial real estate has become untenable and has placed an incredible financial burden on our organization. For 7 years I have been searching for a sustainable home for MASS Collective. Our current location has left us with no room to grow, limited infrastructure and a monthly lease cost well beyond what is sustainable for our organization’s budget. In 2020 we transitioned to a non-profit structure with the hope of securing grants, funding and community support to keep our mission growth on track. Unfortunately, the growth has been significantly slower than we would have hoped and costs have continued to rise. For the majority of 2020-2022, I stayed on as the executive director with no salary to ensure every cent was put toward our future and maintaining our programs for our community.

I believe in our mission. I believe in what we’ve created as a community. I believe we are an important resource for the city of Atlanta. Now, I am seeking support to mitigate the impact on our community of members, apprentices and staff while expanding our programs to serve the Atlanta artist and maker community at large.

As a woman-run operation, we are committed to inclusive practices and are continuously reaching out to communities not represented in these fields to provide resources and opportunities. Our instructors,​ ​​apprentices, staff and board are all committed to the mission and the sustainability of our organization.​

I am asking you to help us survive long enough to grow so we can do more, learn more and be more for the community that needs us.

THE ASK

Your donations will help us by:

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

WHAT WE DO

In 2012, MASS Collective was formed to fill a gap in the arts community present in the city of Atlanta. Artists, makers and fabricators needed subsidized space, equipment and training to be able to sustainably build their independent arts careers or businesses. Our small group of scrappy and resourceful founding members dreamed of a professional functional workshop accessible to anyone. Through late nights, weekend workdays and a willingness to dedicate ourselves to the mission, we have built an inclusive, accessible and professional workshop over the last decade.

Our mission is built on three main programs: Membership, Education & Apprenticeship.

Through our membership program, we provide makers of all different skill sets access to the tools, knowledge and training to improve their craft. Membership includes affordable 24/7 access to our professional workshop, affordable in-house services like 3D printers, CNC & laser cutters, discounts on educational courses and a community of like-minded makers.

Through our educational program, we recruit experts to share their experience, craft and knowledge with anyone interested in expanding their skills or their business. We seek out professionals that represent our community and provide a living wage for their expertise. Our courses provide functional skills for fabrication while giving individuals the opportunity to learn in a low-commitment environment.

Through our apprenticeship program, we subsidize memberships and offer hands-on training and real-world experience in manufacturing and prototyping. The apprenticeship program is a $0 cost program to participants and training and workdays are held on nights and weekends to allow apprentices equitable access around their individual circumstances. Apprentices are encouraged to transition into staff positions as shop managers, board members, educators or administrative roles. Investing in our apprentices is investing in our community and the arts.

WHAT WE'VE DONE

In 2021

In 2022

You can learn more about our mission, our board of directors and opportunities to sponsor and support us at our website-MASS Collective-Atlanta's Community Makerspace