General Questions
What is Make/Believe?
Make/Believe is a maker space and art studio opening in the Cedar Rapids, IA area. We will be focused on making the Arts more accessible to the public and filling in gaps we see in the art community today.
Who are you and why are you opening a maker space?
Make/Believe is led by Nick and Shelbie Wood with the support of the Wood family. My parents were makers that raised us to be makers and to lift up our community. My parents’ parents were makers before them that raised them to be makers and to lift up their community. We are continuing this legacy the only way we’ve been able to figure out how: by opening a maker space.
We’re opening this maker space simply because we found we are happiest when we’re making. If we can share that joy with the community, we might be able to bring some much needed positivity to the area and find new ways to lift each other up.
When are you opening?
Our plan is to open mid-March. If we are unable to hit that deadline, we will certainly be opening in the Spring of 2026. Consider signing up for the newsletter on the home page to be notified when a date is set in stone.
What services will you be providing at Make/Believe?
We’re trying to pack as much value into a small space as possible and make it as affordable as possible. On our Services page, you can find a list of the crafts we plan to support at launch. On our Memberships page, you can find a list of perks you can sign up for by becoming a Make/Believe member.
Does this mean you intend to compete with other similar art facilities in the area?
No. There will be overlap in the services we offer and the other excellent art facilities in the area but we hope to provide new and unique services to the area. We want to further lift up existing art facilities in the area by filling the gaps we see in the area.
Donations and Memberships
What do donations go toward?
Donations largely go toward keeping the facilities open to the public for as long as possible. Any surplus in donations will be funneled back into expanding the number of crafts we support and reaching more markets to make art in the area more accessible.
How do I know you won’t take my money and run?
In the interest of complete transparency, we are locked into a three-year lease with the facilities. We’re in so we’re in this for the long haul. We’re going to be here offering art programs you may as well use them! If it seems like a project that aligns with you personally, consider donating or becoming a member to keep the building open even longer.
Why are donations and memberships handled through a third-party?
We manage our donations and memberships through Zeffy because it’s free and they don’t take a cut of your contributions. They are to recoup their operating costs through tips so they don’t take a cut from what you contribute us.
How much will memberships cost?
Monthly memberships start at $25 with annual memberships starting at $250. This price point helps support our operational costs and provide Day Pass activities at an affordable rate. This is subject to change in the future.
I don’t want a membership but I want to use some of the member-only equipment. What options are available to me?
First, would direct you to a non-recurring, one-month membership. You might end up needing the services longer than anticipated and this gives you that flexibility. For other options, reach out to the contact information on the Contact page.
Will there be different tiers of membership?
No, but we love the energy. You can voluntarily increase the amount you pay each month for your membership however you will not receive extra benefits. This is to avoid a disparity between services offered to anyone. That being said, if you want to make a larger monthly contribution and want your name on the wall or another form of recognition, reach out to the email on the Contact page and I’m confident we can figure something out.