Much of my research and creative practice emerges from the Media Archaeology Lab (MAL), which I founded in 2009 and continue to direct. The lab facilitates cross-disciplinary, experimental research, teaching, and creative practice using one of the largest collections in the world of still-functioning obsolete media. Visitors are encouraged to turn on, open up, play, and create with its extensive collection of technologies from the late 19th century to the early 2000s. This commitment to hands-on access allows visitors to experience unfamiliar paths in the history of technology and imagine alternate futures.

The lab also publishes books, articles, technical reports, and zines; supports numerous ongoing projects including reading groups; artist residencies; events; retro game nights; and workshops on how to fix your old or new devices and even on how to build your own mesh network. At the same time, the MAL’s dedicated volunteers can be found repairing and maintaining machines, hosting open house hours, and facilitating tours and class visits. Most of the MAL’s activities are documented in its monthly newsletter.

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