Maker Affinity Group Program

Handmade Arcade’s Affinity Group Program supports the advancement of equity and belonging within the creative economy by cultivating supportive networks among makers with diverse lived experiences.

(Photo Credit: Kitoko Chargois)

Application Timeline

Application Deadline: September 5, 2025 11:59pm EST

Application Notifications: Early October

Program Description

  • Our new Maker Affinity Group Program, designed in response to direct feedback from the maker community.

  • This initiative aims to build spaces for makers to connect based on shared identities, experiences, and interests — including but not limited to those center around cultural background, lived experiences, creative practices, or professional challenges.

  • Through affinity groups, we hope to cultivate supportive networks, amplify underrepresented voices, and strengthen our community.

  • We also aim to open a direct line of communication with Handmade Arcade to meet maker needs and provide support.

  • Participants will be grouped intentionally to encourage authentic dialogue and relationship-building. Although Handmade Arcade will provide themed prompts, for each session, affinity group conversations will center around topics deemed priority by each group.

  • Three mandatory meetings will occur between October 2025 through May 2026, either virtually or in person dependent upon participants’ availability and group preferences.

  • Groups will create their own schedules with the lead liaison.

Participation Requirements

  • Current makers who are interested in becoming either a mentor or mentee are invited to apply.

  • We define a current maker as actively participating in shows in the 12 months before or after submitting this application (or actively applying or planning to apply for shows in the next 12 months)

Apply by September 5, 2025!

Affinity Group Program FAQs

  • Maker Affinity Groups are small, intentionally formed communities of makers who connect around shared identities, experiences, or creative interests.

  • Affinity groups are open to all accepted applicants who are current makers and identify with or feel aligned with a particular community or interest area.

    *We define a current maker as actively participating in shows in the 12 months before or after submitting this application (or actively applying or planning to apply for shows in the next 12 months).

  • There are three mandatory meetings between October 2025 and May 2026. Meeting formats (virtual or in-person) will be determined based on group preferences and availability.

    A sample schedule could look like this:

    • Meeting #1: Monday, October 27, 2025 – 6:00 to 7:30 PM

    • Meeting #2: Saturday, February 7, 2026 – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

    • Meeting #3: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 – 4:00 to 5:30 PM

  • Yes! While not required, we highly encourage participation in these optional events to build deeper connections:

    • Saturday, September 27, 2025: Kickoff Maker Mixer & Vision Session (In-person)

    • Thursday, December 11, 2025: In-Person Happy Hour / Maker Mixer

    • Monday, March 23, 2026: Maker Community Listening Session (In-person & Virtual)

  • While Handmade Arcade will offer themed prompts, conversations will center on topics prioritized by each group — whether that’s pricing challenges, cultural expression, mental health, or collaboration opportunities.

  • No — Handmade Arcade’s Affinity Group Program is free, as it aligns with our values and fulfills part of our mission!

  • The Handmade Arcade team will provide prompts for each meeting, but Affinity Groups can set their own agenda according to their own priorities and needs!

  • Yes! Our team will check in periodically and offer resources to help Affinity Groups make the most of their experience.

    The Handmade Arcade team will also send out surveys to complete for grant funding requirements of this program.

  • We want everyone to have a positive experience — if you run into issues, please contact us at makers@handmadearcade.org so we can help resolve the issue.

  • Absolutely! Makers are welcome to join groups that align with their identities and/or lived experiences.