Fixers’ Collective NYC is a group of folks dedicated to working together to fix things – encouraging improvisational fixing and mending and fighting planned obsolescence. FC began as a part of the Mend exhibit at Proteus Gowanus in Brooklyn, and continues as a Project In Residence at Proteus.
We meet regularly for “fixing sessions” where people bring in something broken and we work together to try to fix it or creatively reuse it as something else. Our group includes “Master Fixers” who have a lot of knowledge and experience in fixing, apprentices who are looking to learn, and drop in visitors who come to fix socially or see what we’re up to.
Our goal is to increase material literacy in our community by fostering an ethic of creative caring toward the objects in our lives.
The Fixers’ Collective seeks to displace cultural patterns that alienate us from our things, by collectively learning the skills and patience necessary to care for them. Intentionally aligning itself with forces generated in reaction to the current economic crisis, the Fixers’ Collective promotes a counter-ethos that values functionality, simplicity, and ingenuity and that respects age, persistence and adequacy.
The Collective also encourages participants to take liberties with designated forms and purposes, resulting in mended objects that may exist both as art and within a more limited, utilitarian context.
In 2010, we did a Kickstarter campaign and we have been overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. If you haven’t received your prize yet, don’t despair – we’re working on it!
Interested in attending one of your repair sessions and learning more. I think it is very interesting and
Would like to be involved in the
Fixers’ Collective projects.
Keep me informed on how
I can be apart of it.
Thanks,
Edward Soltan
http://www.Brokenequipment.com
Hi Edward,
Are you in the Brooklyn area? Our next session will be November 3rd, at 7pm, at 123 8th Street, Ground Floor
Hello,
I have recently received an email about an upcoming fixers meeting on Nov 3. I was wondering if I am able to stop by even if I do not have anything that needs to be fixed?
Thank you
hi Kirill,
sorry for the slow reply, but yes! always feel free to stop by and help others with fixing or learn about the fixing process.
–anne, fixer
hi,
i have a busted humidifier. is this something you have had any luck with in the past?
it looks like a frog. (not sure if that helps) and it’s made by the good people at CRANE.
thank you,
michael hogan
Hi Michael,
We’d need to know more to say for sure – why don’t you bring it in tomorrow and we’ll give it a try!
I would like to be on your mailing list so I can attend a meeting.
Hi Glenn,
You should be able to sign up for the mailing list in the sidebar of the site – let us know if it doesn’t work for you.
Best,
Anne
Hey guys,
I think you have a great idea here! I’m wondering if my object is fixable: it’s an inflatable mattress and the little tab that holds the valve shut broke. It kills me to throw out such a large thing for such a tiny broken part. Whaddaya think? Could you answer me by email, please? Thanks!
Hi, I just learned about you guys on Brooklyn Based. I thought you like-minded folks might be interested in our new magazine Makeshift. You can check out the Atlantic Magazine article covering our launch here, http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/09/the-chinese-farmer-roboticist-and-other-diy-technologist-tales/244714/
Maybe we can collaborate on an event in the near future. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Cary
Hi,
Love this idea–do you know if there are other fixers collectives in the US, or are you the only one? Thanks, Sara
Hi Sara,
I know for sure of the West Seattle Fixers Collective – maybe ask our Facebook page administrator as well.