The Generator Maker Space

If you know Burning Man, you probably know The Generator. For years, this inclusive art space, maker space, and community space has been a driving force in architecting many of the visual experiences found on the Playa. In its new location in Sparks, NV, the “Genny” has expanded beyond its Burning Man connection to offer classes, events, workshops, and creative space for the entire Northern Nevada community.

The Biggest Art and Maker Space in Reno

In its new 70,000 square foot setting (the previous location only had 34,000 square feet), The Generator features industrial equipment and tools, a powerful network of creative minds, and 3 phase power. Here, you can not only count on tons of physical resources but gain powerful creative insight from professional artists working alongside you. As the perfect landing pad for both beginner and professional artists, The Generator is a benchmark for bonding together as a creative community and an unordinary place to find incredible inspiration.

Create

The Generator is home to a wide array of artists, builders, and inventors working in many disciplines. It’s not uncommon to find a bevy of artists preparing their larger-than-life installations for the annual Burning Man event that takes just north of Reno in the Black Rock Desert. Using The Generator to create your own art is as simple as contacting them and pitching your idea. All public art supplies are provided as a donation from the members’ of the space, but The Generator also encourages artists to give back by providing canvas, paints, clays, etc., for young budding artists to use. The Generator also provides a face-melting wealth of tools and supplies to help build anything imaginable. Equipped with a wood shop, metal shop, tech lab, and laser cutter, The Generator asks artists to care for the equipment and work on projects consistently and to completion in return.

Learn

Aside from providing the resources to create whatever you can imagine, The Generator also offers a variety of common shops, mentorships opportunities, and workshops for members. Referring to these programs as a “Self Organized Collaborative Environment,” The Generator aims to provide the right resources and encouragement to learn, create and invent, with the hope that each participant shares their newfound skills with the larger community. 

The Generator is home to multiple camps and workshops each week, with topics ranging from block printing for children to tie-dye shirt making and embroidery. It’s also home to the annual Reno Punk Rock Flea Market fundraiser each summer, which draws crafters, musicians, food vendors, and more for a weekend of good times and creativity. For the most updated schedule of workshops and special events, click here.

Participate

Much like the founding principles of the Burning Man event itself, participation at The Generator is key. The Generator is home to tons of large projects, more than 60 large projects since 2013, to be exact. Home to giant Burning Man installations including Embrace, The Pier, The Ship, The Space Whale, and more, each summer The Generator is loaded with teams of artists who flock to the space to make their dreams come to life. Whether you’re located in Nevada or traveling from outside the state, volunteering on a project like this will assuredly be an experience you won’t soon forget. To volunteer, contact The Generator, keep regular tabs on what projects are being built on their website, or sign up for The Generator’s regularly distributed news and updates. To become a member of The Generator, explore your options here.