A Celebration of Somerville
Community media centers are an important extension of the democratic principles of independent thought and free speech.The voices expressed on SMC are authentic and independent and so they truly reflect what is important to Somerville. Join us as we celebrate Community Media Week from October 19 through 23.
Our mission to provide news and information at a hyperlocal level has never been more important than duing the current COVID-19 pandemic. We adapted from in-person to virtual media production so quickly in March that for weeks, we were the only organization in the city to offer youth education programs of any kind. Since then, we’ve become a valuable partner with the city with virtual youth media education programs over the summer and are doing so again in the new school year.
We continue to provide timely live information in programs with guests such as City Councilors, State Delegation Members, School Committee Members, local journalists, business owners, community advocates and arts organizations. We continue to showcase our member made programs and celebrate how they’ve adapted to virtual media making. We also continue to be the only local source for programs as Democracy Now!
An Uncertain Future
As challenging as this year has been, there are more challenges to come. SMC and community media centers everywhere still face an uncertain future as the FCC chips away at our funding model, and the current economic downturn will greatly effect our member rolls and other funding sources. As pressing as both of those concerns are is the news that in 2021, SMC will need to find move from our longtime home at 90 Union Square and into a new facility… a costly endeavor.
All of your donations support SMC and are tax deductible– We don’t hire any managers or outside consultants to dream up ways of getting donations. Every dollar donated supports the continuing existence of SMC. The lack of overhead means it’s the most direct way they’ll ever support a non-profit organization. If you are in a place to do so right now, we hope you consider making a donation in any amount!
Community Media Week
Schedule of Events: Oct 19 – 23
Show your support by participating in any or all of these events. Schedule subject to change.
Monday, October 19
PANEL DISCUSSION: Arts Organizations in the Time of Coronavirus
Join us on our Facebook page and SCATV Cable Channel 3 for this important panel discussion in collaboration with the Somerville Journal about the future of Somerville arts organizations. The business interruption brought about by COVID-19 has impacted arts organizations forcing cancellation of nearly every event, opening, workshop, and public program. To learn more about this impact, SMC and the Somerville Journal reached out to the city’s small and mid-sized arts organizations. With slashed budgets and reduced staffing, some are on the edge of insolvency. Even an end to the pandemic would not mean a return to how things were in the midst of economic recession as the public pulls back spending.
Our panelists: Arts at the Armory Executive Director Stephanie Scherpf; Mudflat Pottery School Executive Director Lynn Gervens; Artisan’s Asylum Executive Director Lars Hasselblad Torres; Nave Somerville Director Susan Berstler; Brickbottom Artists Board Advisor/ Artist Charles Baldwin Moderator: Julia Taliesin, Somerville Journal
Tuesday, October 20
CELEBRATE YOUTH MEDIA
Celebrate young people’s voices and join us for a mini-marathon of animation, journalism, activism, music, comedy and more! SMC Youth Media is a vital component of our mission to provide affordable media education. Enjoy these programs made by talented young directors, producers and actors as they showcase their creativity and ingenuity.
Wednesday, October 21
CELEBRATE MEMBERS: SMC Honors 2020 Virtual Watch Party
As the Academy Awards celebrates excellence in media in Hollywood, the SMC Awards celebrates excellence in media for those in “Somer-wood”. Join us as we recognize the best of last year’s TV, Internet Radio, Podcast and Youth productions made by our members. We will also honor of two community media champions who have been strong advocates of our work and mission. More Information & Registration
Thursday, October 22
“Throwback Thursday: The Wonderful World of Public Access TV”
Enjoy a stroll down memory lane with a debut screening of special throwback screening, “SMC Throwbacks: The Wonderful World of Public Access TV”. This short retrospective screening will be an engaging and curated experience to enjoy some hidden gems from the past 35+ years.
Friday, October 23
CELEBRATE MEMBERS… AGAIN!
We love our members so much, we’re doing a second day of celebrating them as we highlight them individually. Hear directly from producers who walked through our doors with little experience and who now look forward to putting together a program each week.
