The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center marked its 25th anniversary with a weekend of art, community and reflection. The celebration highlighted how creativity and activism continue to shape the IMC’s mission of amplifying community voices through independent media, art and social action.
Meadow Jones, social practice artist and workshop facilitator with the School for Designing a Society, opened the event with a writing and zine-making session that encouraged participants to share their experiences through art.
“We wanted to have a workshop that threaded together both the genealogy and the practices in a practical, hands-on way,” Jones said.
The goal, she explained, was to gather stories from attendees and begin assembling a collective archive: a “people’s history” of the IMC and its community.
For Jones, zine-making and writing are not just artistic outlets but tools for empowerment. She encouraged participants to reflect on their experiences and how they connect to the larger community.
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Jones said many people often hesitate to share their personal stories, unsure if they matter in the bigger picture. She believes that every individual’s story contributes to the collective experience of the IMC community.
“We’re literally making the world,” Jones said. “This space reminds us that creativity and connection are powerful forms of action.”
In a time increasingly defined by digital media and AI, Miriam Larson, executive director of IMC, also believes in preserving tangible, human-centered forms of expression. Her perspective echoed Jones’ focus on storytelling through print and hands-on creativity.
“People have a hunger for what is material and tactile,” Larson said. “There’s a really important role still for print media and in-person making experiences.”
Throughout the open house, the IMC buzzed with local artists and organizations sharing their work.
Ann Kirkland, representing Blue Crow Lavender, spoke about how spaces like the IMC play an important role in supporting artists. She described the IMC as a welcoming, creative hub that encourages collaboration and inclusivity among artists of all kinds.
“It’s a great community space,” Kirkland said. “There are so many different organizations in the building that people can be a part of. It’s a lovely old building that’s been used for different activities to invite the community in.”
According to Kirkland, the IMC has long been a home for creativity and collaboration where artists can display their work and connect with others. She also praised the Champaign-Urbana art scene for its inclusivity and energy.
“There’s a lot of different events that support local artists,” Kirkland said. “This is just one of the many spaces in town that invite artists to show what they do.”
Larson coordinated the weekend’s events and reflected on the milestone as a celebration of endurance and community impact.
“For any nonprofit organization, each year is an accomplishment,” Larson said. “To reach 25 years (of) owning our building and being a valuable resource to our community is an accomplishment.”
Larson emphasized the IMC’s role as both a creative and social hub for C-U and the broader central Illinois community.
“We are a place that people feel safe at, that people feel a sense of creative inspiration at and where people make new friends,” Larson said.
Looking forward, she hopes the anniversary inspires new people to get involved, whether through radio, writing, volunteering or simply attending community nights.
As the IMC looks back on 25 years, its message remains grounded in collaboration and creativity. Whether through zine-making, local art showcases or public discussions, the center continues to remind C-U that storytelling, in all its forms, is a force for connection and change.
