ARTENGINE’S MAKER FAIRE

Artengine produced 7 Maker Faires over the course of a decade. We brought the first Maker Faire to Canada in 2010 and built up a community and audience around this fun celebration of making (in all it’s forms).

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THE BEGINNINGS OF OTTAWAS MAKER FAIRE

Artengine has always been dedicated to bringing together artists, designers, technologists, and researchers to explore emerging technologies through collaborative learning and production. Maker Faire Ottawa was a prime example of this mission in action, bringing together diverse creators to share knowledge and inspire the next generation of innovators.

The heart of the event, for Artengine, was a messy and creative mix of DIY culture, science, technology and engineering, and of course art. Over our time building the Maker Faire event we build up an amazing ecosystem of partners and collaborators, particularly with the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology and Carleton University who supported the development of this event with an incredible spirit of generosity. Even more important than the collaborators were the community of makers who made the event so special.

The seeds of Maker Faire Ottawa were sown in the fertile ground of Electric Fields, a biennial festival dedicated to the presentation of new and significant performance and installation works created at the crossroads of art, science, and technology. Electric Fields, which began in 2003, served as a catalyst for creative exploration and collaboration, paving the way for Maker Faire Ottawa’s emergence as a hub for innovation and community building.

Artengine’s Maker Fair legacy lives on through the countless makers, artists, and innovators it inspired. Artengine remains committed to fostering a culture of creativity, exploration, and collaboration through our ongoing projects and initiatives.

THE EVOLUTION OF OTTAWAS MAKER FAIRE

Maker Faire Ottawa quickly evolved into more than just an event—it became a vibrant hub for the city’s creative community. The Faire’s unique blend of art, science, technology, and DIY culture fostered an environment where makers from all walks of life could connect, collaborate, and share their passion for making.

The Faire was a place where families could discover the joy of hands-on learning, students could showcase their ingenuity, and entrepreneurs could test their prototypes in a supportive environment. It brought together diverse communities, from artists and engineers to educators and hobbyists, creating a space where cross-disciplinary connections could flourish.

Over the years, Maker Faire Ottawa became a beloved annual tradition, attracting thousands of attendees and showcasing the incredible talent and creativity that thrives in the region. It not only inspired countless individuals to embrace their own maker journeys but also strengthened the fabric of the Ottawa community by fostering a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and shared learning.

Though Maker Faire Ottawa is no longer an active event, its legacy continues to reverberate through the Ottawa maker community. Many of the makers and artists who participated in the Faire have gone on to launch successful businesses, pursue careers in STEM fields, or become active contributors to the local maker ecosystem. The connections forged and the inspiration sparked at Maker Faire Ottawa continue to fuel creativity and innovation in the city and beyond.

Art & Design

Maker Faire Ottawa was a vibrant showcase of the intersection between artistic expression and technological innovation. Artengine, with its artist-run roots, fostered an environment where artists, designers, and makers could experiment with new tools and techniques, pushing the boundaries of traditional disciplines. From interactive installations that responded to touch and movement to stunning digital art displays, Maker Faire Ottawa celebrated the transformative power of technology to enhance and expand the realm of artistic creation.

Kentucky Perfect incorporates an intentionally overstated measure of technology to explore the very role that technology plays in the culture in which we live. More specifically, the work – in its fantastical amplification of the technology’s use in the everyday

The Woman’s Tears Machine Gun is a gun to end all wars. With bullets filled with woman’s tears, it completely deflates the desire for violence and is the first gun created for peace. Debuted at the Ottawa Maker Faire.

Maker Faire Ottawa, under Artengine's curation, blurred the lines between traditional art spaces and the maker movement. By showcasing artworks that seamlessly integrated technology, the event challenged conventional notions of what constitutes "art." Artists whose work typically resided in galleries found themselves in a new context, surrounded by tinkerers, engineers, and DIY enthusiasts. This unexpected juxtaposition led to a fascinating shift in audience perception, as viewers encountered art through a maker lens. The technical ingenuity and interactive elements of these artworks sparked curiosity and engagement, inviting viewers to explore the creative possibilities at the intersection of art and technology. This unique blend of artistic expression and technological exploration redefined how audiences experienced and interacted with art, demonstrating the power of Maker Faire Ottawa to broaden perspectives and ignite new conversations.

Drinkbot Dress by Anouk Wipprecht allows its wearer to decide who to serve a shot to (and who to leave dry). A playful take on the cocktail dress, Drinkbot is made of leather and electronic components housed inside a 3D printed dress through a process called sintering.

Orchestrer la perte / Perpetual Demotion is an interactive installation comprising a feeding robot, human eaters, bacterially activated foods, a refrigerator, and a human slave.

Science & Tech

At Maker Faire Ottawa, science and technology took center stage, captivating audiences with mind-bending demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and cutting-edge inventions. Artengine’s commitment to exploring the social impact of emerging technologies was evident in the diverse range of projects on display, from robotics and 3D printing to citizen science initiatives and open-source hardware. The event served as a platform for STEM education, inspiring young and old alike to embrace curiosity, experimentation, and problem-solving through hands-on learning.

The Jormungand (Midgard) and Julunggul (Rainbow) serpents sit between 2 worlds; the old world that needed and revered them and the present which has shunned such monsters as fears metamorphosed into mythical form.

 This idea uses the base of a slot car track and car to create noise.  Each car has an associated noise and when moving about the track makes the noise.  Depending on the speed the noise can change. 

Maker Faire Ottawa, fueled by Artengine's passion for technological exploration, transformed the perception of science and tech from abstract concepts to tangible experiences. The event shattered stereotypes by showcasing a wide array of projects that were both cutting-edge and approachable. Attendees could witness the latest advancements in robotics, 3D printing, and interactive technologies, not just as static displays, but as hands-on opportunities for learning and engagement. This accessible approach demystified complex concepts, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to embrace their inner innovator. By fostering a spirit of curiosity and experimentation, Maker Faire Ottawa sparked new passions for science and technology, demonstrating that innovation isn't confined to laboratories – it's a dynamic force that thrives in the hands of everyday makers.

Making & Crafts 

The heart and soul of Maker Faire Ottawa lay in the celebration of making and craftsmanship. Artengine recognized the importance of traditional skills and the DIY spirit, providing a space for makers of all levels to share their passion for creating. From woodworking and textiles to electronics and robotics, the Faire showcased a wide range of crafts and DIY projects, fostering a sense of community and empowering individuals to express their creativity through hands-on making.
Open sourced and modular  Pinball machine system that allows anyone to improve and extend it.

Lamp Sculpture made from recycled scrap metal pieces.

Working stringed instruments made from recycled items including boxes, books and liscence plates.

Maker Faire Ottawa, fueled by Artengine’s ethos of inclusivity, transformed the city into a vibrant hub for makers and crafters of all levels. The Faire celebrated the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the DIY spirit, providing a platform where hobbyists, artisans, and seasoned professionals could showcase their creations side-by-side.

This unique environment fostered a sense of community and camaraderie, breaking down barriers between amateur and professional makers. It was a place where seasoned woodworkers could exchange tips with budding electronics enthusiasts, and where textile artists could collaborate with 3D printing experts. The Faire’s emphasis on hands-on learning and skill-sharing created a fertile ground for collaboration and innovation.

 

Maker Faire Ottawa empowered small creators, giving them a stage to demonstrate their unique talents and connect with a wider audience. This not only boosted their confidence and visibility but also enriched the overall maker ecosystem by showcasing the diversity and depth of craftsmanship within the community.