This program connects Haystack participants to the global Fab Lab network and brings experts in their respective fields to come to Haystack from partnering labs across the country and internationally. Invited to work for the school each session during the summer, Fab Lab Residents provide one-on-one consultations, small group tutorials, and demonstrations while modeling advanced workflows and processes related to their work.
Each year, since 2011, Haystack invites digital artists, engineers, researchers, and makers from the international fab lab network to participate in the school’s programming. In the past, we have partnered with professionals from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard, University of Virginia, Rhode Island School of Design, AS220, and other fab labs around the world to support and expand capacity in the fab lab. Residents provide their own unique expertise and perspective on the intersection of digital fabrication and craft. Residents in the Fab Lab offer Haystack students unique learning experiences and opportunities to broaden their knowledge of digital technologies and enhance their studio craft processes. Haystack students, faculty, technical assistants, and interns all provide fab lab residents with creative problems to solve using the digital fabrication resources we have available. This makes for interesting challenges that push the boundaries of technology and expand the knowledge base.
The Fab Lab functions as a centralized resource for the school, which includes six comprehensive studios (glass/blacksmithing, wood, ceramics, metals, fibers, and graphics). The mission of the fab lab is to provide unique opportunities for students and faculty to enhance their studio processes in ways that would be otherwise impossible or impractical to do within the constraints of the session. Residents play a key role in integrating the digital fabrication process with the studios throughout the session. That is, Residents work with Haystack faculty, technical assistants, and students to find creative solutions in the Fab Lab.
For the past four years, Haystack has been running a paid internship program, developed for local high school students. There are currently six students hired to support the space during the summer sessions. Each of the interns has been trained in digital design tools such as Autodesk Fusion 360 and our suite of digital fabrication tools. They provide critical technical support in order for students to successfully use the space while also gaining valuable experience and knowledge from Fab Lab residents. While in previous years, interns have played a secondary role, assisting when possible, this upcoming year will be the first time we place our interns at the front of the fab lab to assist Haystack students seeking help on their projects. Throughout the session, Residents work with interns to support Haystack studio workshops.
Haystack provides Residents with $1,000 for two-week sessions and $500 for one-week sessions as compensation for your time spent working and supporting the Fab Lab.
Haystack reimburses Fab Lab Residents for a 60 days advance purchase coach class airfare or auto travel at $0.45/mile, whichever is less. All flights should be booked through Haystack’s travel agent who will coordinate your flight and bill the school directly.
Haystack provides residents with a private or shared cabin (depending on housing availability) and all meals are provided throughout the duration of the session.
Prior to and at the start of the session, Fab Lab Residents will assist Faculty in developing strategies and processes for integrating digital fabrication technologies into specific studio workshops.
During certain hours, Residents provide technical assistance and expertise to faculty and students to support projects. This is usually done in the form of one-on-one consultation, small group tutorials, or brief presentations to participating studios.