Havana-based Makers Engage with their Miami Counterparts at Miami Mini Maker Faire

By rickherrero, Feb 17, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 17^th, 2016

Miami, FL – A group of 11 independent Cuban makers and entrepreneurs are in Miami to introduce their businesses and creations at the third Miami Mini Maker Faire this weekend.

All 11 entrepreneurs are members of the arts collective that operates the Fabrica de Arte Cubano, an acclaimed mixed-use creative space in Havana, Cuba, and represent a diverse range of craftsmanship, from industrial design and architecture to graphic design, fashion design and bronze sculpting. As first-time exhibitors at Miami Mini Maker Faire, these visiting innovators will join a hundred other regional makers and entrepreneurs to showcase their creations and share their skill-sets with attendees. Fabrica de Arte Cubano co-founder X Alfonso -a classically trained musician and one of the pioneers of Cuba’s hip-hop and afro-rock scenes- will also play an evening concert at the Faire.

Founded in 2013 by local non-profit MIAMade in association with Maker Media and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Miami Mini Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, artisans, tinkerers, entrepreneurs and educators who get together to show what they make and share what they have learned with local audiences. It’s a festival of do-it-yourself invention, creativity and resourcefulness in celebration of the Maker Movement.

Along with exhibiting their products, the Cuban entrepreneurs are also building two installations for Miami Mini Maker Faire at Miami Industrial Arts and Moonlighter, two local membership-based makerspaces that offer a range of industrial and prototyping tools – from ceramic kilns and CNC routers to 3D printers – for local entrepreneurs and aspiring artisans to bring their ideas to life.

Miami Mini Maker Faire takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 20th and Sunday, February 21st at the National YoungArts Foundation campus. Tickets are on sale now at makerfairemiami.com. The Music Makers Showcase featuring X Alfonso and Afrobeta takes place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on February 20th. Tickets to the Music Makers Showcase are free and can be downloaded at makerfairemiami.com.