While MACRE continues to evolve, our central goal remains steadfast: to expand access to media tools, skills, and resources for marginalized and underfunded communities. By centering community voices, we use creative expression to address real-world issues and build a shared sense of purpose. Our mission is grounded in three key commitments:

Participatory Media & Research

We practice a collaborative approach that ensures communities are involved at every stage—from ideation and creation to public reflection. Through our Intern-cubator and residency programs, we facilitate "technical conduits" that bridge the gap between an artist’s vision and the community’s engagement, fostering collective ownership of the creative process.

Civic Engagement & Justice

We see media as a tool for justice. Inspired by the legacy of local figures like Dorothy Cotton, we use public art, somatic witnessing, and "Long-Distance Presence" technology to advance democracy and human rights. Our work in Disability Justice and HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) ensures that creative expression remains a right, even for those navigating physical or systemic barriers.

Community-Based Cooperation

MACRE is rooted in cooperative values. We work with local partners to amplify voices without relying on advertising, operating instead as a shared "third space." We are building toward a member-owned model that strengthens the Ithaca area through shared media creation, meaningful dialogue, and mutual support.