UCIMC Co-sponsorship

Please see the breakdown below for future applications. 

  • Apply in December for events from January 1st to March 31st 
  • Apply in March for events from April 1st to June 30th 
  • Apply in May for events from July 1st to September 30th 
  • Apply in August for events from October 1st to December 31st

 

Application now open! Apply HERE!

Application opens: May 4th, 2026 

Application closes: May 31st, 2026 

Decisions will be announced by June 9th, 2026. 

 

What is a co-sponsored event?

UCIMC Co-sponsorships are an opportunity for UCIMC members to apply to host an event at the IMC at a discounted venue rate and receive marketing support from the IMC. 

 

UCIMC Co-sponsorship Requirement 

  • You must be a UCIMC Member 
  • The event must align with the UCIMC mission & values 
  • We give preference to Champaign County residents

 

With a UCIMC co-sponsorship, you will receive: 

  • 40%-50% off the venue cost. Note: This discounted rate only goes towards the cost of the venue rental. It does not include the cost of a sound package. A sound package must be purchased separately. More information HERE.
  • Publicity support through our newsletter, social media, website, and outreach to our community networks. 
  • A pre-event meeting and a post-event meeting with the Program Manager. 

If you are writing grants, we ask that you put our standard rates for rental into the grant. You can find our rates HERE. Non-grant-funded events will be prioritized.

 

What is the UCIMC Mission Statement and values? 

The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center’s mission is to foster the creation and distribution of media and art that emphasize underrepresented voices and perspectives, and to promote empowerment and expression through media and arts education.

UCIMC Values: Equity - Inclusion - Accessibility - Kindness 

 

What kind of event can I propose for co-sponsorship? 

You can apply for a variety of events, such as forums, live music performances, spoken word shows, dance performances, script readings, art workshops, local film showings, and more! 

 

What am I responsible for if my event is selected for co-sponsorship?

Host must take responsibility for:

  • Creating all publicity materials, including social media and print materials
  • Including the UCIMC logo and IL Arts Council Logo on any promotional materials. You can find logos HERE. Flyers must be submitted and approved by the Program Coordinator before they are shared with the public.
  • Announcing the co-sponsorship at the event with one of the following statements or something similar:
    • "This event is cosponsored by the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, a grassroots organization committed to media, arts, and technology for social change. The UCIMC is supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council and by our membership. Please consider supporting the IMC by becoming a member or giving a donation." 

"This event is co-sponsored by the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center. The UCIMC acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency."

 

  • Setting up for their event and cleaning up the space afterwards. 
  • Returning the space to the condition in which you found it, including taking out the garbage, recycling, and sweeping or mopping the floor as needed. An Event Staff Member will be on staff for questions regarding set-up and clean-up. 
  • Upon request, submit a security plan, particularly for events with over 75 people. You can find a security form template HERE.

 

For questions, contact our Program Manager, Ty Lewis, at [email protected].