Transmission Project

Media Alliance was founded in 1977 to address common needs of nonprofit organizations providing electronic media programs and services to artists, organizations and the general public in areas including, but not limited to, production, distribution, exhibition, research, preservation, appreciation, and to further development of this field. Media Alliance also has a mandate to sponsor and encourage cultural, and educational activities among media organizations, artists, and the general public, by conducting research, by gathering information, by organizing and disseminating information among the membership, by effectively communicating and cooperating with film organizations and other groups, independent producers, funding sources, and the general public, by responding to issues of concern to the field, by public information programs, and by administering property.

The Sanctuary has developed rapidly as an engaged member of our economically disadvantaged neighborhood, supporting desperately needed independent local voices through workshops, peer training, & internships. We’ve offered media arts, education, production and literacy programs to local groups directly engaged in poverty-related activities, including: Missing Link Street Ministry, North Central Communities That Care, AME Zion, NAACP, Troy Public Schools, the ARK, Troy Bike Rescue, 518 Positive Reinforcement, Nutrition Consortium of NY, NY Civil Liberties Union, TAP, W.D.I. and Independent Living Center. This season our Youth Media Sanctuary project includes:
– “Children Having Children,” directed by a 22 year old mother of an 8 year old
–“Gangs and My Family,” directed by a young man sharing first person perspective of fantasies and realities of gang culture.
–“Bike Rodeo” with safety education, arts and crafts projects
–Youth Media Showcase
–Animation workshop
–Summer camp

To promote and support education, access, creation and exhibition of independent film, video and digital art.

Creativity and experimentation across multiple disciplines and technologies. We embrace experimentation and risk taking as essential to the creative process.
Media literacy, promoting hands-on media making and critical thinking about media messages. We empower the Buffalo community with opportunities for media arts education for youth and community members at every level of need or knowledge.
Community connections and collaborations, from local to international, as both a leader and a partner with artists, educators, schools and community groups.
Freedom of expression and diversity of voice through supporting artists, introducing audiences to the magic of independent media arts, and teaching community groups to integrate media as a tool of cultural and creative expression.

TechARTS is a free after-school computer art program for adolescent girls from neighborhoods affected by poverty. TechARTS partners w/ community groups to effectively reach girls from economically disadvantaged families to teach them essential computer skills in a playful and nurturing setting. The Buffalo Youth Media Institute is a free program, offering participating students an hourly stipend to produce social documentaries about Buffalo-related themes, ensuring that young people from poor families can participate without economic hardship. Channels – Stories from the Niagara Frontier helps publicize issues related to poverty by matching documentary filmmakers with grassroots initiatives to produce documentaries about economic, racial, and environment issues that promote social change. (Videos produced by Squeaky Wheel’s programs can be seen at vimeo.com/squeaky). Squeaky Wheel’s workshops are offered at low cost. Screenings and equipment rental is offered at very low cost as well.