Makers Valley is a neighbourhood in Johannesburg inner city, just east of the CBD.  It stretches from New Doornfontein to Bezuidenhout Valley, and includes Bertrams, Judith’s Paarl, Troyeville and Lorentzville. The name ‘Makers Valley’ refers to the growing presence and activities of many forms of creative entrepreneurism in the area.  Artists, cultural practitioners, artisans, urban gardeners, carpenters, shoemakers, metal and woodworkers, clothing designers and others, live and work in the Valley. 

The evolving community culture builds on versions of the Makers Movement within the 4th Industrial Revolution which encourages creativity, sharing, giving, learning, participation, mutual support and positive change. 

The concept and practice of Changemaking is key to many of the activities within the Valley.  Building on the Changemaking concept originally coined by Ashoka, activities are inspired by the conviction that progressive entrepreneurs and organisations mobilising locally can help to propel systemic change within a Wellbeing Economy framework.

MAKERS VALLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD

The people who live and work in Makers Valley are diverse in many ways including socio-economic status, ethnicity, and religion. Most residents are poor, and many unemployed. Visible urban decay and associated social skills are counterpoised by pockets of vibrant business development, in both the formal and informal sectors. Lack of access to employment is most prevalent among the youth, hence the vision to support the rising tide of entrepreneurism in the Valley. 

The formal economy is also growing, with property developers and a variety of other businesses investing in the area. Emerging partnerships between developers, creative businesses, residents, universities and local government entities aim to boost collective well-being and contribute towards sustainable urban development and socio-economic transformation.

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