Media Arts Collective + Resource Exchange
Media Arts Collective + Resource Exchange
Join The Collective!
link to application
Active Space, Not Empty Space
At MACRE, we believe space should feel alive.
Our rooms are not meant to sit idle or function as storage units. If a space is in use, we want it to be visibly, actively creative, adding energy and momentum to the community.
Rather than a simple “cash-for-space” model, MACRE operates as a creative incubator.
Members using studios or project rooms are expected to maintain an active presence of approximately 7 hours per week. We aren’t going to monitor the time but it’s important to set this expectation.
By active presence, we mean: you’re in the building, using the space, hosting events, working in co-working spaces, interacting with other members, hanging out, having lunch, etc.
Doors open, when you can.
As an active community space, it’s important to encourage interaction when possible. If you’re using a room with a door, try and leave it open. Of course, if you need privacy, close the door and that will be respected, but open it when you can!
MACRE spaces, including shared spaces (library, main gallery, co-lab, psp studio) and “studios” (Incubator, Creekside, Media Lab, the Triangle, and the Pocket) are designed to evolve: Studios and project rooms are not indefinite holdings.
Every 2 months, we’ll check in to ensure projects are still active and that space is being used in ways that align with our shared values. If a project winds down, we’ll make room for new work to emerge.
Cooperative Stewardship
MACRE is more than just a facility—it is a community-supported engine for media arts, storytelling, and relational media. We are moving away from traditional transactional models toward a cooperative stewardship model. When you become a member, you aren't just "renting space"; you are helping to sustain a home for creativity in Ithaca.
How to Join the MACRE Community
We’ve simplified our process to focus on human connection rather than just paperwork.
Visit the MACRE Cafe
The "front door" of our collective is the MACRE Cafe, held every Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
The Vibe: Drop in, grab a coffee or a baked good, and meet the folks already working here.
The Purpose: This is our vetting process. We want to meet you, hear about your work, and ensure our values align before we hand over a door code.
Choose Your Stewardship Path
To keep our doors open and our equipment running, we rely on a sliding-scale membership model.
Active Member
- Best for: Creators who want a consistent physical footprint at MACRE.
- Contribution: $50 – $100 / month (determined by station footprint).
- Access: You can set up a dedicated workstation (where you can leave your things) in one of our designated rooms:
- Artist Incubator: Mixed Media
- Creekside: DJ & Audio
- The Triangle: Analog Media
- Media Lab: Digital Media
- The Exchange: Active members understand that their desk may be used by others when they aren't there. We also invite you to bring your own equipment to share with the collective (training provided where needed).
Supporting Member
- Best for: Those who believe in the MACRE experiment and want to support the vibrancy of Ithaca’s arts community from afar.
- Contribution: Monthly "Pay What You Can" contribution.
- Access: You are a vital part of nurturing our emergent community and keeping the collective sustainable.
What’s Inside the Space
MACRE is a home for all types of creative workers—from writers, organizers, and researchers to photographers, designers, and musicians. Whether you need a desk away from home to focus on your deep work or a specialized station for production, our facility at 415 N. Tioga Street is designed to support you.
The Media Lab: Professional workstations featuring the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite for editing and design.
Sound Station: A dedicated audio workstation equipped with Ableton for music production, sound design, and podcasting.
Office Resources: Access to printers and high-speed internet for your daily administrative or research needs.
Studio & Recording Space: Versatile areas for interviews, film shoots, or quiet recording.
Resource Exchange: Shared access to cameras, microphones, and lighting kits (currently building our community inventory).
The Community: A built-in network of creators across disciplines focused on community-building and mutual support.
Come see the space for yourself: The best way to get a feel for the workstations and the vibe of the collective is to stop by the MACRE Cafe on Wednesdays from 4–6 PM. We'd love to show you around and see how the space can support your work.
Hosting at MACRE
MACRE is a space for curated gatherings, readings, performances, and community-centered events. We prioritize events that align with our values of participatory media and collective exchange.
For MACRE Members
If you have a door code, you have a home for your work.
- Hosting Fee: $0.
- The "Pay it Forward" Contribution: If your event is ticketed and sales exceed $100, we suggest a 20% contribution to MACRE to keep the lights on and the gear running.
For Community Partners (Non-Members)
We love hosting outside organizations and artists, but to keep the space intentional, all non-member events must be sponsored by a current MACRE member. Your sponsor will vouch for the event and handle the "on-the-ground" logistics (keys, tech, and cleanup).
- Small Gatherings (<20 people): No flat fee. We just ask for a 20% contribution of ticket sales over $100.
- Large Events (20+ people): $150 flat hosting fee + a signed Event Agreement.
