It all began in 2012 . . .
. . . with a small group of people who envisioned a diverse community and welcoming place where people of all ages could work together to make things.
Mission Statement
To empower a community of builders, creatives, and learners.
Vision Statement
Decatur Makers envisions a world where anyone can make anything.
Who We Are
Decatur Makers is the only all-ages community makerspace in Georgia
Our diverse community is made up of makers from 5 to 105 years old including artists, designers, fabricators, welders, woodworkers, engineers, textile workers, programmers, 3D printing professionals, crafters, teachers, students, entrepreneurs, and others. Our community has hobbyists as well as professionals learning and building all kinds of cool projects. Our goal has always been to foster a place where all makers feel welcomed and accepted regardless of background, race, gender, lifestyle, skill sets, experience, or age. We strive to include all makers around Atlanta by keeping our membership dues low, providing needs-based scholarships, and offering most of our programs to the public.
Located in downtown Decatur, our 2,500 square foot makerspace has a woodshop, electronics shop, biolab, textiles area, arts and crafts, 3D printers, laser cutters, metalworking, and more under one roof. Our programs include membership to our space, classes that are open to the public, free community gatherings for youth and adults, youth STEAM outreach and teacher professional development, and solving problems with the help of our community expertise to build solutions for our community partners.
Our Motto: Build, Share, Explore
Think of our makerspace as a playground for your imagination where we create opportunities for lifelong learning – it’s where people of all ages come together for the purpose of encouraging kids and adults from all different backgrounds to learn new skills, realize their passions, and feel empowered. This idea of developing confidence and agency (by making lots of mistakes and learning from them!) is central to all that we do.
Through our community expertise, tools & equipment, classes, and youth outreach, we encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to build things with their hands and minds, share their knowledge and creative energy, and explore new ideas and opportunities to be innovative.
What We’ve Accomplished
Since our community first banded together in 2012, our membership has grown to almost 500 paying members. Over these past 10 years, we’ve hosted thousands of makers in our classes and free community workshops, and thousands of kids in our outreach programs. Our community partnerships have included hundreds of businesses and organizations across Georgia.