About Us

Knoxville Is The Maker City

The Maker City is the greater Knoxville-area community of makers, artists, creatives, and small-scale manufacturers and supporting entities. Led by the appointed Mayor’s Maker Council, we create collaborative partnerships, programming, and opportunities in support of Knoxville’s maker community.

We build connections to drive business success – linking makers with the maker community, industry experts, and the local economy.

Where We've Been

In 2016, Knoxville embraced the maker movement, recognizing the significant economic impact of creative entrepreneurs and small-scale manufacturing. With leadership from the Mayor’s Maker Council and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, The Maker City has prospered.

Today, more than 900 makers belong to The Maker City and the directory houses to more than 350 makers. Maker events bring together more and more participants annually, fostering connections and collaboration.

Where We're Going

The Maker City aims to develop a shared vision for our region’s diverse maker community and raise awareness of the local maker movement and its associated micro-economies.

We will promote local goods and services and connect makers with opportunities. We will address government policies and regulatory issues that impact maker businesses and develop new revenue sources to support The Maker City initiatives.

The Mayor's Maker Council

Vision

To build a sustainable creative community.

Mission

To promote equity in our creative economy by fostering relationships between makers and consumers, by building networks of public technological, and financial resources, and by creating educational opportunities and partnerships.

Values

Accessibility – Community – Inclusion – Inspiration – Sustainability

2025 -26 Mayor's Maker Council

Jarius Bush, Good Guy Collective
Joseph Woods, Black Atticus
Bailey Foster, Real Good Kitchen
Amelia Galvas, Aviary Broom Co.
Shannon Herron, Dogwood Arts
Lindsey Brine, The University of Tennessee
Casey Fox, Art & Culture Alliance
Aaron Ingram, Aaron Ingram Photography
Jake Ingram, Jackalope Editions
Ashlee Mays, Museum of Infinite Outcomes
Ty Murray, Ty’s Eye & The Bottom
Brianna “Foxy” Officer, The Fox Den Hair
Diahn Ott, Diahn Ott Studio
Jaleria Rivera, SpaceCraft
Jondale Stratton, KnoxMakers
Shayla McDaniel, Shayla McDaniel Music
Melody Ratliff, Able Trade

Council Support Staff

Anne Templeton, Director of Maker Initiatives
Jim Biggs, Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Courtney Hendricks, Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Kelsi Walker, Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Holly Rainey, Knoxville Entrepreneur Center

Kara Finger, City of Knoxville
Jennifer Searle, City of Knoxville