Post 3: Motor City to Maker City
Posted By: Patricia E. Mooradian
Posted: 3/13/2010
This year, we are very excited about two new partnerships that support The Henry Ford's mission while allowing us to bring in new experiences and opportunities for our visitors, heighten community engagement, and stimulate the region's economy.
The first is a partnership with the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). This organization is the world's oldest and largest member-driven society for industrial and product designers. Each year, the society organizes the International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) competition. This competition annually honors "design excellence in products, eco design, and packaging" among other disciplines.
It was recently announced that the IDEA award winners, starting with those designated this year, will become part of the permanent collections of The Henry Ford. In April, all 2010 IDEA award entries will be on public display in Henry Ford Museum giving visitors an opportunity to vote for their favorite as part of IDEA's People's Choice Award. The 2010 IDEA Awards, in partnership with Fast Company, will be announced this August.
On July 31 and August 1 of this year, The Henry Ford, in partnership with Make Magazine, is taking the Motor City to Maker City with the first-ever Detroit Maker Faire. This family friendly event brings together the most creative, imaginative and resourceful can-doers in the areas of science and technology, engineering, food, and arts and crafts. It's an amazing example of people from all different backgrounds and disciplines using their imaginations and their hands to create innovative things that can make a difference.
I, personally, can't wait for this event, as it epitomizes what The Henry Ford is all about—exploring new ideas, sparking imagination, and thinking innovatively to create a better future. And what better place to hold an event like this than Detroit? This city, and its surrounding region, is a hot bed of innovation and innovators and The Henry Ford is proud to be able to bring this exciting event to our community.