In 2012 St. Louis Public Library launched Creative Experience, a public makerspace providing access to emerging technologies and media production software. I co-developed the Creative Experience concept, led its team of 20+ staff, and held the role of project manager for five years. During this time I built, designed and installed the region’s first free recording studio.
Core responsibilities
project management, people management, training, team leadership & development, media relations, public speaking, creative vision, vendor negotiation, audio production
Opportunities
When CEXP opened, it focused broadly on graphic design, web development, video production, and audio production. While the space was offering great value to library patrons, the usage was less than anticipated. One area of exception was audio production, where several patrons were writing and recording music. The Library wanted this innovative public makerspace to exist in their community, however they needed to find a way to increase its usage to justify the costly resources needed to maintain it.
Solutions
-identified audio production as a community need and leading potential for growth
-built, designed, and installed the region’s first free recording studio
-recruited and managed a team with media production experience
-partnered with a local college to design a Creative Experience Studio internship
-partnered with universities and institutions to provide public training opportunities (e.g. songwriting, music business, audio production)
-redesigned print and digital marketing materials, placing emphasis on audio production
Successes
-recording studio opened in 2014 – reservations averaging 95% capacity
-a core audience was established, and as usage increased, the project scope expanded to include its original focus with workshops in WordPress, animation design, filmmaking, video production, and coding
-increased usage justified construction of two additional CEXP locations with expanded interests: 3D printing, game design, a video production studio, and two audio production studios
