Sparking Connections and Creativity: Highlights from UMA’s Media Mixer
We all know media can be so much more than just entertainment. It’s a tool for connection, a platform for expression, and a way to build bridges across cultures, ideas, and communities. That power was on full display at Urban Media Arts (UMA)’s recent Media Mixer & Networking Night, held on March 25 at UMA’s headquarters in Malden.
Over 66 artists, scientists, communicators, entrepreneurs, and community members came together for an evening full of inspiration, interaction, and possibility. It wasn’t your average networking event—it was a celebration of creativity in all its forms.
Interesting exhibits lined the space, showcasing innovative media projects and creative collaborations that are already making waves. The goal? To spark new ideas, new connections, and maybe even some future partnerships. And judging by the feedback, it worked.
Senator Jason Lewis Offers Remarks
The evening included a heartfelt moment of recognition for State Senator Jason Lewis, a longtime supporter of local arts, media, and civic engagement. After an acknolwedgement of his generous contribution to the UMA roof and facility repairs and renovation, he offered remarks about his regard for community media as a vital player in enabling vibrant and dynamic community.
A Look at What Was Showcased
Couch Quests
A themed web series game show produced by UMA members in the Gaming District. This fun, high-energy project demonstrated the power of teamwork and creativity while offering the community a much-needed dose of play. Public attendance is welcome at future episodes—space is limited; contact jacquay@urbanmediaarts.org to register.
Partnership Work Podcast: The Art & Science of Bringing People Together
Hosted by Paul Kuttner, this podcast explores what it takes to bring people together in a divided world. Guests include bridge-builders, conveners, and collaborators who dedicate themselves to fostering connection and action.
Look Listen Local: Documentary Filmmaking Training (In Development)
This exciting upcoming program is designed for underrepresented storytellers who want to use film to spotlight issues in their own communities. Participants will create short documentaries that inspire awareness and action.
Civic Science Media Lab
"The Civic Science Media Lab’s (CS Media Lab) primary goal is to tell stories about the civic nature of science on video, digital print, and radio in order to inform and inspire the current and next generation of civic science scholars and practitioners. Its website is called the CSM Lab Terminal, which is a Bloomberg/NPR-style platform that brings together the various civic science journalism programs produced by journalists in the lab on video, digital print, and audio." Founded by Fanuel Muindi, it is "making new knowledge, lived experiences, activities, behaviors, roles, motivations, and responsibilities across the landscape of civic science more accessible, informative, and actionable for interested parties such as scientists across different career stages, science engagement practitioners (science communicators, science journalists, science educators, funders, entrepreneurs), and local community leaders."
MassAbility's Assistive Technology Showcase
Kobena Bonney presented tech tools that empower individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate daily life more efficiently and independently.
Neighborhood View: Citizen Journalism Online Publication
UMA’s own citizen journalism publication spotlighting community stories and local voices.
Films by Fer Martinez and Robe Berdez
Short films by Fer Martinez and Roberto Berdez gave a taste of Cuba’s emerging youth film scene—poetic, raw, and full of heart.
Outcome and Next Steps
According to a post-event survey, 89% of attendees made valuable new connections, and 94% said they’d love to come to another event like this. Top interests included workshops, collaborative projects, mixers, and guest speakers—so stay tuned, because there’s more to come.
Some participants provided information for a directory.
Event Report to the Board of Directors.