Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center — Attraction in Urbana

Had a group show here last week. There was nothing wrong with the space but the scheduling was a mess. We were told we could set up the night before only to find out last minute that another group was scheduled so we were offered to set up first thing in the morning. We were then contacted again being told that we could not set up until 12pm only two days before our show. On top of that a dance performance was scheduled right before the group show. We contacted the dancer asking if we could set up before the show and she said that would be fine as long as we are finished by 5. She came in at 4 and was extremely rude towards a few of us. When we came back for our show all of our work had been moved and SEVERAL of my photographs were damaged and scattered throughout the space. The dance group would not even acknowledge or apologize for all the damaged work and flat out ignored my husband when he tried speaking to them. I find it extremely rude for a fellow "artist" and fellow UIUC student to destroy another artists art work and not even apologize for doing so. I would never interrupt a dance performance of theirs or down them in anyway but I was very hurt by this. As I am a senior this was my final thesis show and ment so much to me. I won't be stepping foot back in this place. If you are looking for a place where your work will be respected by others...

My experience with the Independent Media Center in Urbana (from 2019) was disappointing and needlessly complicated. The organization was offering rentable rooms, but despite submitting a clear proposal, no one ever actually reviewed it. The staff I interacted with seemed more focused on exercising control than on making thoughtful or practical decisions about who could use the space.

What stood out most was their insistence that the room I wanted to rent remain “communal.” That’s an unreasonable expectation — no one should be asked to pay rent and then allow others unrestricted access to their personal equipment or materials. It showed a lack of understanding of what it means to provide rentable space and an unwillingness to balance their ideals with real-world responsibility.

The overall interaction gave the impression that the people running the place were more interested in maintaining authority and pushing a particular worldview than in supporting the independent creators and small businesses they claimed to champion. It was less about fostering community and more about gatekeeping it.

To be fair, this was several years ago, and the staff or leadership may have changed since then. But based on my experience, I’d recommend approaching any rental or partnership discussions here with caution and ensuring that all expectations are clearly...

Several years ago, when I learned that the Independent Media Center (IMC) was purchasing the Downtown Urbana Post Office, I was skeptical. But I have learned to love this space! From the local post office, to the radio station, to all the activities the IMC sponsors and hosts, it is a great space with thoughtful people facilitating it. In addition to renting a PO box there, I have rented a sunny space for my daughter’s baby shower, and a friend held a celebration of life there for her son. I recently, I attended a several week class for women and minorities to learn setting up sound systems with real life experience. The Independent Media Center is a jewel in the heart of downtown Urbana and I encourage you to learn more about what they offer for...