NIMBY

SHINE A LIGHT FINALIST
"NIMBY - Go Big or Go Home"

NIMBY is a do-it-yourself (DIY) and industrial art space that provides artists and craftspeople a place to create and innovate. Within the 64,000 square foot space can be found metal workers, jewelers, glass blowers, hobbyists, engineers, plumbers, electricians, computer programmers, and tinkerers creating projects both large and small.

NIMBY’s success is due to founder Michael Snook’s passionate focus on community. He fosters an environment where collaboration and sharing are the most important values. Each individual at NIMBY is part of a team working towards everyone’s success. Whether it is learning a new skill, preparing for an artist’s first exhibition, or trying to create the never-been-seen-before, Snook always knows who to call, what to use and how to get the project done. Founded in 2004, the mission of NIMBY has always been to support the Bay Area DIY community. Each year, thousands of artists and craftspeople utilize NIMBY for workspace, storage of art pieces, sourcing of re-purposed materials, and networking. Whether fresh out of school or deep into retirement NIMBY has a space for you. NIMBY has been the launch pad for numerous entrepreneurs that have turned fledgling ideas into multi-million dollar businesses. As NIMBY has expanded, the business has developed programs to provide discounted transportation rates for artists, coordinate paid opportunities to show their artwork, and assistance in seeking grant funding for projects. Customers at NIMBY are viewed as part of a team and we all take care of each other. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas NIMBY hosts open potluck events for the entire community. With all of the creative minds collaborating at NIMBY, the space is a hot bed of innovation. At NIMBY you can create anything from the smallest electronic device to some of the largest sculptures seen in the US. This innovative culture translates to all aspects of how the business is run. Re-purposed and recycled materials are used in art and improvements for the space whenever possible, both to help the environment and to keep operating costs low. NIMBY reaches out to other local businesses to find ways to use their scrap materials that would otherwise be discarded. Volunteers contribute much to the daily operations of the business bringing new talent and creative solutions to standard problems. Along the road to success NIMBY has overcome many challenges commonly faced by new start-ups. NIMBY’s focus on community and innovation has allowed the business to grow and become a pillar of the Bay Area DIY and artist’s community. As NIMBY continues to expand, the business looks forward to welcoming even more creative thinkers into its customer base.