We are MACRE Ithaca!
Media Arts Collective + Resource Exchange [MACRE] (pronounced "maker") is a new organization, opening on June 1st, 2025 in downtown Ithaca. MACRE will be a place for learning and creating through connection with others. At the same time, MACRE is a physical location offering a showcase for creative work for public awareness and meaningful dialogue.
Our programs and workshops include many types of creative work, from traditional media like filmmaking, sound, drawing, graphic design, music, journalism, and curating, to more technical areas like coding, hardware design, and new AI tools. At MACRE, we focus on mixing art, engineering, and the humanities to encourage learning, experimenting, and creative expression across different fields.
What We Currently Offer
MACRE offers various community-based services and mentorship.
Membership-Based Work Space
Join a vibrant, creative community with access to shared workspaces designed for artists, makers, and innovators. Our flexible membership options support both short-term projects and long-term growth.
Exhibition and Workshop
Showcase your work or attend inspiring exhibitions featuring diverse artists and mediums. We also host hands-on workshops where you can learn, share, and connect with others
Artist-in-Incubator
Our incubator program supports emerging artists with mentorship, resources, and dedicated studio time. It’s a launchpad for developing your practice and growing your career.
Education Service / Consultant/ Mentorship
We offer custom educational programs and consulting for schools, organizations, and individuals. From curriculum design to creative strategy, portfolio development, mentorship, and guidance for school applications — our team helps bring your vision to life.
Equipment and Space Rental
Need tools or a space to bring your project to life? We offer affordable rentals for equipment, studios, and event spaces tailored to creative work.
PARTNERSHIPS
Through active partnerships with local organizations, educators, and artists, we are building a vibrant, interconnected network that shares resources, space, and a collective vision rooted in equity, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging.
PhotoSynthesis Productions
PhotoSynthesis Productions (PSP)—founded in 1980—is our anchor partner and co-producer. PSP provides MACRE with its physical home, a fully equipped film studio, and access to professional-grade video gear, editing software, and production mentorship. With PSP’s infrastructure and support, MACRE members are able to initiate, develop, and complete ambitious projects that would otherwise be out of reach.
The Village at Ithaca
The Village at Ithaca, Through Director of Special Initiatives Grace Azaula, brings youth-driven project ideas into our space. Grace accompanies Village youth to MACRE, where they access video production tools, mentorship, and creative space to develop media rooted in their lived experiences. Grace is also an Ithaca College alum and serves on our MACRE Advisory Committee, deepening the ties between Village and our media collective.
StudioLab
StudioLab at Cornell University, directed by artist-scholar Jon McKenzie, is another vital partner. In April 2025, MACRE hosted StudioLab’s Comics, Posters PAR+D exhibition, showcasing transmedia knowledge work by first-year Cornell students. These projects used creative media to tackle complex issues like AI, climate justice, and geopolitical conflict. We plan to co-host future exhibitions and events that integrate research, community storytelling, and design-based learning.
