Support for NGOs
In July 2013, a small grant was awarded from the RSA's Regions and Nations Funds to undertake 'The
RSA MAKLab NE: scoping study.
Business plan and proposed strategy to deliver this in North East: an incubation space, digital fabrication studio, enterprise and cultural hub with
wider partnership opportunities.' An invitation to undertake this work went out to all the North East Fellowship and beyond through the annual conference,
the regional newsletters and the networks. In November 2013, following an application and selection process, the selection panel invited David Irwin FRSA
to undertake this work.David recommended the creation of a Maker Laboratory to be set up in partnership with the Baltic and Gateshead College and wrote a detailed business plan and case for funding. It is hoped that this will progress shortly and will link to a growing network of FabLabs, of which the first in the north east will be in Sunderland.
David has carried out this work with huge commitment of time and energy, far above and beyond the original brief. The benefits of his
vast experience, expertise and regional knowledge in this area and his clear and challenging thinking have been evident throughout. I would like to
especially acknowledge and commend David's work in this study, along with the commitment, collaboration and full support the RSA has received from
Godfrey Worsdale FRSA, Director of BALTIC.
Godfrey Worsdale FRSA, Director of BALTIC.
Jan Portillo, former Regional Chair, RSA
© Irwin Grayson Associates 2022