Contact us to schedule a meeting or tour.
The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center’s mission is to foster the creation and distribution of media and art that emphasizes underrepresented voices and perspectives, and to promote empowerment and expression through media and arts education.
The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center (UC-IMC) began in 2000 as a small group of local organizers inspired by the global IndyMedia movement and the 1999 WTO protests in Seattle, which exposed growing concerns about corporate power and media control. What started as a living-room conversation among 12 people quickly became a shared effort to build a space for independent, citizen-driven media in Champaign-Urbana. Early projects like the Public i helped establish a foundation for community storytelling and local engagement.
Over time, UC-IMC grew far beyond its origins into a 30,000 sq. ft. community media and arts center that includes a radio station, training spaces, a public computer lab, gallery and studios, and performance venues. Programs such as Books to Prisoners, ODDmusic, and youth media camps have extended its impact locally and nationally. Today, UC-IMC is recognized as a model for community media, empowering residents to create, share, and act on the issues that shape their lives.
Launched Open Scene, a youth-led project supported by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the City of Urbana.
Helped bring $22.5 million in broadband stimulus funding to Champaign-Urbana through organizing efforts connected to UC2B public broadband.
Shipped more than 150,000 books to Illinois prisoners through Books to Prisoners and helped establish jail libraries.
Led advocacy around prison phone justice, net neutrality, media democracy, and equitable broadband access.
Hosted nationally recognized conferences including Midwest Zine Fest, Prometheus Barnraising, Books to Prisoners Conference, and Restorative Circles.
Developed CUWiN, internationally recognized open-source wireless mesh networking software.
Provided free community web hosting and digital infrastructure support to more than 200 organizations.
Supported more than 1,000 volunteers whose time equates to approximately 24 full-time staff members.
Miriam became executive director of the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center in January 2020. She supports grants, fundraising, office rentals, facilities, and long-term organizational planning.
[email protected]
Ty supports programming, event booking, co-sponsorships, UCIMC memberships, and community collaborations.
[email protected]
Levelta supports memberships, keys, working groups, finances, and administrative coordination for the IMC.
[email protected]
DJ BJ supports sound engineering, performance production, venue coordination, radio, and facilities needs.
[email protected]
Rachel works with Books to Prisoners and supports educational access for people in custody through book distribution, libraries, and community-based justice work.
[email protected]The IMC Board of Directors is elected by the membership and supports the long-term stewardship of the organization.
Assistant Professor in the Labor Education Program at UIUC and former president of the Graduate Employees’ Organization.
Educator, writer, researcher, and organizer focused on media, communication, immigrant justice, and social change.
Bio coming soon.
Graduate student and organizer involved in social movements, labor organizing, mutual aid, and liberation work.
Community advocate, educator, nonprofit leader, notary, radio host, and direct-service professional.
Co-director of Prism Community Art School and longtime Champaign-Urbana resident.
Associate professor at UIUC whose research focuses on personality and identity development.
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
Board meetings are open to all members and held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm in hybrid format. Any member can join a committee, and members may also run for the board during the General Membership Meeting.
Learn moreDuring our first year of operation, the following people pledged their financial support and helped make the IMC the media and community nexus it is today. These are lifetime members of the IMC. We very much thank them for their support.