Call for Makers

Now accepting applications for this year's Makers!

We are now looking for makers, performers, and community groups to exhibit at this year’s event.  Any groups or individuals interested in participating should complete a simple application. Deadline for applications is Friday, September 27th!

Previous Makerspace Urbana events have featured more than 30 makers with over 2000 community members in attendance. With your help, we would like to make this year’s Fest even bigger!

A little about the event:

Designed to feature both established and local “makers”, the Heartland Maker Fest is a family-friendly celebration featuring rockets and robots, DIY science and technology, alternative energy, bicycles, unique hand-made crafts, music, art, and educational workshop installations. That being said, we would like all projects to be accessible for all ages.

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The Fest will be held at the Lincoln Square Mall in downtown Urbana from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, October 5th. We’ll provide tables, chairs, and electricity (if requested). We’ll handle all the publicity, and we’ll work with you on connections through Facebook and Twitter to get the buzz going. We are supported again this year by an Urbana Arts Council grant, so there’s minimal cost to be a Maker and attendees will get in free.

Have a project idea, or know someone who might? Let us know! We are looking for a diverse group of talented individuals to showcase so Apply Now.

Any person or organization who embraces the DIY  spirit and wants to share their accomplishments with an appreciative audience is encouraged to apply.

Here’s some suggested ideas for topics that we’re looking for:

  • Robotics
  • Kinetic & Installation Art
  • Music Performance
  • Hacks of Any Sort
  • Homesteader Projects
  • Workshops and Speakers
  • 3D Printers & Digital Fabrication
  • Textile Arts and Crafts
  • Student Projects
  • Rockets and RC Toys
  • Sustainability
  • Green Tech
  • Radios, Vintage Computers and Game Systems
  • Electronics
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Biology/Biotech and Chemistry Projects
  • Puppets
  • Kites
  • Bicycles and Human-Powered Machines
  • Shelter (Tents, Domes, etc.)
  • Unusual Tools or Machines
  • How to Fix Things or Take them Apart (Vacuums, Clocks, Washing Machines, etc.)
  • Food and Beverage vendors please write Contact@HeartlandMakerFest.org for more information

Maker Exhibit: Our standard setup for a Maker exhibit is an 8′x8′ space. We provide a table and two chairs. If you need more space for your exhibit or project, please let us know. Use this space to display your work and/or demonstrate how you make something.

Table Fee: There is a small Table Fee which only applies if we are able to accept your application for the Fest and you did not attend a previous UC Mini Maker Faire or Heartland Maker Fest. This is mainly for the psychological benefit of helping makers actually attend if they sign up. Details on payment methods will be sent in your acceptance email.

Pricing:

  • Previous Heartland Maker Fest Attendees: FREE!!
  • New Makers: Suggested $20
  • Community Group – $20
  • Performer – Free
  • For-Profit Business – $50

Participant category examples:

Maker: Artist, Crafter, Tinkerer, Enthusiast
Community Group: Nonprofit Organization, 501(c)(3), Community Group, Meetup, or other social group.
Performer: Dance, Music, Fashion, Circus Arts, Speaker or anything awesome that can fit on a small stage.
For Profit Business: Company that caters to the maker community.

Have any questions? Email contact@HeartlandMakerFest.org

Here’s to another successful Heartland Maker Fest!

Happy Making! HMF Planning Committee

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