Makerspaces at Oxford and Reading

Our Makerspace workshops in Oxford and Reading are perfect for intermediate and advanced students, experienced hobbyists or practicing artists to make, collaborate, learn and share.

NB: It is with great regret that we at Activate Learning have to announce that, as a result of the evolving COVID-19 situation, it is no longer possible for us to launch the use of our Makerspaces until further notice.

In line with government guidelines and the rolling advice from Public Health England and the NHS, we have now made the decision to postpone the event.  

Activate Learning treats the health and wellbeing of visitors, students and staff as our number one priority. We have a duty to safeguard everyone who visits Activate Learning colleges and, therefore, the protection and prevention of harm to all involved ultimately informed this decision.

We are currently looking at options to launch the use of our Makerspaces to the public in the future. We will be in touch again to update you on the situation.  

Thank you for your understanding.

—Creative Industries Team

Realise your ideas with our equipment, such as kilns, potter’s wheels, slip-casting equipment, wood and metal lathes, welding equipment, laser cutters, printing presses, dark rooms and more!

At their cores, our Reading and Oxford Makerspaces are open-access workshops to make, collaborate, learn, and share alongside the local creative community.

For a simple, flat rate of £5 per hour, you can hire one of the six available areas below: 

• a photography studio and dark room
• a printmaking workshop
• fashion / textile rooms
• a workshop for metal and jewellery
• 3D-printing machines
• a pottery / ceramics workshop with electric kilns

Mandatory safety training on all equipment is provided by our expert staff. However, you will be expected to work on your own projects or collaborate with others in the Makerspace.

At each site, a limited selection of materials will be available for purchase, but makers are encouraged to bring their own.

Soon you'll be able to use our online booking system to find a session and reserve your place!

The Makerspace areas will be available in one-hour slots and multiple slots can be reserved at once.

Payment via debit/credit card of £5 per hour is taken upon arrival at our college.

Our booking system will be up and running as soon as possible. If you have any queries in the meantime, contact us.