Overview

We propose to build a community media laboratory for the production of propaganda and educational materials for campaigns and projects. Our mission is to transform the most neglected space in Omni Commons into a place for creative production available to Omni members, and, eventually, local artists, activists, organizers, and members of the general public (either supervised or trained), sustained through sliding-scale donations, grants, mutual aid, and creative reuse. A new working group will steward supplies, tools, and resources, as well as host educational hands-on workshops. Approval of this proposal means the formation of an official committee of the Board to manage a Media Lab, and acceptance of the following general plan.

Resources

We have currently:

• A large-format plotter

• A vinyl cutter

• A Tecre button-maker and supplies

• Screenprinting equipment and press (ABDC)

• Digital duplicator

• Several Xerox copiers

• Various printers

• Laminator

• Ream paper cutter (2)

• Book scanner (current under development in sudo)

• Miscellaneous crafting supplies and materials

Proposed Services

• Community media lab with regular open hours (TBD) and services rendered by appointment;

• An archive of art and media produced in the lab, including historical propaganda produced for past events, causes, and actions in the community;

• Regular, public workshops on topics such as zine-making, button-making, screen printing, banner-making, printing, graphic design and illustration.

WG Members

Attendees of our first meeting on May 11th were: Anka (LibLens/FNB), Ken (CCL), Robb (Sudo/LibLens), Jenny (Sudo), Laura, Sierk (Sudo), and Phil (FNB).

Interested potential members include Kazoo (ABDC), Marcus (ABDC), Vienna (ABDC), Sara (ABDC), Julian (BAPS), Abe, Gerald (LibLens/FNB), and Rayc (Sudo)

Media Lab Structure

Governance

The Media Lab Working Group will be modeled on the structure of the Commons Working Group. Members will receive formal training that will: familiarize them with Omni and Medial Lab policies and procedures; provide them with the skills to maintain Media Lab equipment, and supervise others’ use of the equipment; prepare them to share in management of incoming requests for Media Lab usage. The WG will collectively develop the policies and procedures with final approval by the Delegates, and maintain and manage the Lab. This will include maintaining financial records in collaboration with the Finance WG and making regular reports to the Board.

Operations

Supplies and equipment will be labeled with suggested donation for use. Donations will go toward supplies and machine maintenance (estimated at approximately $200-500/month, depending on amount of use). Individual WG members may contract with outside groups to fill orders for a fee (as with our AV techs) with approval of the WG. Over time, we expect the medialab to become capable of regular contributions to the Omni as a whole for space and utilities usage, and propose a check in approximately 6 months after move-in (June 1st, with check in on Dec. 1st).

Users who are not part of the Media Lab WG will need to make an appointment to use the equipment or come during regular open hours, which are yet to be determined. This is to help ensure that equipment is not damaged and supply use is monitored. When not in use, supplies and equipment will be either stored in a locked cabinet or secured in place. If possible, electronics will require some kind of electronic code to function. The best way to do this is under discussion.

We will submit a second proposal after build-out is complete to formalize the process for how collectives, members, and eventually outside folks will access.

Intended Users

Intended users of the Omni Media Lab include, by priority:

1. Omni Media Lab Working Group members (free)

2. Omni Member Collectives and collective members (free some set # of times / year, sliding scale donation)

3. Aligned community groups and organizations (by sliding-scale donation, or negotiated rate)

4. General public (by sliding-scale fee, or negotiated rate)

Floor Plan

Lab will be located in the Old Material Print Machine area (550 sq ft):

Current conditions:

Future possibilities!  

Building Plan and Estimated Construction Budget

The designated area will be cleared out. We will give TIL once more opportunity to remove the broken offset printer, and if they can’t, we will break it down and remove it. Old fluorescent lights will be removed and replaced with energy efficient and inexpensive LED tube lights (see link below). Missing ceiling tiles will be replaced. Floor will be primed and painted with concrete paint. Walls and ceiling will be painted. In the future, additional electrical outlets may be added if needed.

Additional Sources

• https://omnicommons.org/wiki/Basement#Media_Lab