Open Call: America 250 Maker Residency Program

Application Deadline: February 8, 2025, at midnight

To Apply: https://forms.gle/sj8NNHcXFgvkShpV6

About the Program:

America Hub Israel is launching a new Maker Residency Program in celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. We're seeking up to six creative makers of all sorts (designers, craftspeople, educators, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, etc.) to develop bridge-building projects that foster connections between local and American perspectives, between communities or people that might not otherwise engage with one another, or between different creative disciplines.

This residency takes place inside the U.S. Embassy facility in Jerusalem, offering participants the rare opportunity to create their work in a diplomatic environment. In addition to developing their technical craft, residents will gain exposure to tools and skills used in diplomacy - such as listening across differences, building trust, and collaborating across cultures. Residents will be matched with U.S. mentors and local experts according to their needs.

The residency will conclude with a final exhibition showcasing each participant's project.

Residency projects must involve making - that is, they must include a component of physical creation or fabrication. Projects should leverage the tools and technologies available at America Hub Israel, which includes a fully equipped makerspace, 3D printers, laser cutter, light carpentry shop, VR suite, Imaginebox immersive projection room, and more. Fully digital/online projects - such as building stand-alone apps - will not be accepted. However, creatives with backgrounds in non-maker fields who are interested in exploring American maker technologies - and whose projects relate to such exploration - are warmly encouraged to apply.

Residents will benefit from:

Guidance from makerspace experts and U.S. Embassy professionals with both technical and diplomatic expertise
Small group workshops and guest speakers
A small project grant of 7,000 NIS
Exclusive use of Hub equipment during designated hours
Scheduled mentorship sessions with American and local experts

Who Should Apply

We're looking for young professional designers, artists, craftspeople, educators who are committed to developing projects that foster connections across cultures, communities, disciplines, or ideas, and to advancing both their technical expertise and cross-cultural communication capabilities. Applicants whose projects contain an element of interest in maker technologies (digital fabrication, electronics, 3D printing, woodworking, etc.) are encouraged. No previous experience with such technologies is needed.

Applicants are required to participate in bi-weekly meetings, which will meet on Tuesdays from 10:00 - 15:00 (exact times may change)

Program Commitment

Residents are expected to:

Work on-site at the Hub's makerspace at least once per week, using the space and tools to develop their projects
Actively engage with their U.S. mentor throughout the program
Participate in all group sessions and workshops
Present their work and collaboration experience at the closing showcase

How to Apply

Complete the form found at this link by February 8, 2025.

You will be asked to upload:

Project Proposal (max 500 words): Describe your project idea, including what you'll make, what technologies and tools you'll use, and how it builds bridges
Portfolio of previous work
CV/Resume in PDF form