ABOUT FEED

Executive Summary

FEED Media Art Center is a visionary cultural institution in the heart of Erie's vibrant Downtown ARTs District at 1307 State Street. With over 50,000 square feet of refurbished space and a global high-speed network, FEED serves as both a public gallery and an arts business incubator. It is uniquely equipped to support the full lifecycle of media art—housing its production, facilitating innovative exhibitions, running public programming, and transmitting live and pre-recorded content to audiences worldwide. 

As a media art center and incubator, FEED is a place to see and experience media art; to encounter, learn, and use new and legacy technologies from its growing collection. FEED's mission is rooted in accessibility: ensuring that all media artists have the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to create and share their work with the world. 

At the heart of FEED are its values; we are committed to building an inclusive culture around media art that responds to the world that we live in today, celebrating: 
• Difference 
• Inclusivity – social, aesthetic, and interpersonal 
• Mutuality + Respect 
• Ecological sustainability 
• Honoring the past and being present, while forging a future 
• Sharing stories 
• Art's ability to transform culture 
 
Through our digital arts residences which pair local and visiting artists, one-of-a-kind exhibitions, and educational offerings, FEED revitalizes our central downtown location and invigorates the local economy through artistic placemaking. 
 
To fulfill our mission and respond to growing community interest, FEED is pursuing strategic initiatives that expand our capacity, deepen our impact, and ensure long-term sustainability: 
 
 Organizational Capacity 
FEED is actively building out its core team to support expanded community programming, broaden access to arts education, and strengthen the technical infrastructure required to scale operations. These roles are foundational to our business plan and mission. 
 
 Educational Paths and Workforce Development 
In line with our educational mission, FEED is working to increase opportunities for emerging professionals, students, and community members to gain hands-on experience in creative and technical arts. We are in the process of establishing paid internships and entry-level positions that directly support this goal and contribute to Erie's cultural and economic revitalization. 
 

Facility Enhancements & Sustainability Projects 

FEED's transformation of a once-abandoned structure into a dynamic media center is a testament to our vision and community investment. With over $1 million already invested, the following key development projects represent our next steps: 

• Data Storage Solutions: add 2 pebibytes archival system 

• Solar Power Installation: Supports our digital media archiving initiative with sustainable, self-reliant energy. 

• Facade Renovation: Enhances our building's presence and invites broader community engagement. 

• Greenhouse / TV Garden / Sunken Galleries: These immersive installations expand our capacity for innovative exhibitions and public interaction. 

• PA / Sound System Upgrade: FEED is building a high quality sound system - essential for delivering high-quality performances and multimedia events.