Sarah Wolozin is a research scientist and director of the MIT Open Documentary Lab. She is the co-founder of the Independent XR Distribution Coalition and the Co-Creation Studio. Her publications include “Creating Community in Hybrid Festivals, AI, Embodiment and the Perception of the Real,” and “Prototyping the Future: How Artists Reveal the Future of Media.” She is a co-author on the book, Collective Wisdom: Co-creating Media for Equity and Justice. Before arriving at MIT, she worked on award-winning documentaries and educational media for a wide variety of media outlets and started experimenting with the web back in its early stages of its public use. She frequently guest lectures at MIT and is a sought after public speaker. She has spoken at venues such as International Documentary Festival of Amsterdam (IDFA), Sundance, MOMA, SXSW, and others. In 2023, she was awarded an insignia of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French Government.
SIMON WOOD, The Founders Pillars
Simon Wood is an Emmy®-nominated filmmaker based in Cape Town, South Africa. His films have been screened at major festivals worldwide, winning awards across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
MEGHNA SINGH, PhD, The Founders Pillars
Dr Meghna Singh is an artist and researcher with a Ph.D. in visual anthropology from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Her work focuses on themes of migration, globalization & critical mobilities, immersive experiences within public art and the decolonization of the digital.
RASHIN FAHANDEJ, Humble Monuments
Rashin Fahandej is an Iranian-American immersive filmmaker, futurist, and cultural activist. Her artistic initiatives are multiyear experimental laboratories for collective radical reimaginations of social systems and future imaginaries. Fahandej’s methodology, rooted in her “Art as Ecosystem” concept, leverages emerging technology and community co-creation through cross-sector collaborations, positioning artistic processes as catalysts for societal transformation. Her work has been exhibited internationally at major institutions and festivals, including the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, Ars Electronica, and Tribeca, as well as in civic spaces. Fahandej is the recipient of prestigious awards and residencies, including the Prix Ars Electronica Festival, the Foster Prize at the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, the Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture AIR program, MacDowell, MASS MoCA, Boston Center for the Arts, ThoughtWorks Arts, and the Mass Cultural Council, among others. Fahandej is an Associate Professor of Emerging & Interactive Media at Emerson College and a Senior Co-Creation Research-Practitioner at MIT’s Open Documentary Lab.
NADAV ASSOR, Humble Monuments
Nadav Assor’s layered videos, sound work, photos, installations and performances engage real and imagined places and personal stories in an embodied, visceral, and critical manner. The work is produced and mediated through lo-fi, handmade technological systems, driven by and for the body, generating intimate human connections and new, fragmented perspectives. Assor’s work has been featured in film festivals, museums, galleries, and live venues across North America, Europe, and Asia, in venues such as the Oberhausen Film Festival, Transmediale Berlin, the Arnolfini Gallery, and more. Assor is an alumni fellow of the MIT Open Documentary Lab, where together with Tirtza Even he developed the immersive, feature-length, immigration-focused project “Chronicle of Fall”, His video works are distributed via Video Data Bank, Chicago. He is a Professor of Studio Art at Connecticut College, where he also directs the Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology. His website is nadassor.net.
JOANNA WRIGHT, Humble Monuments
Joanna Wright is a Welsh documentary artist, researcher and producer. Her projects are often long-term collaborations with communities, archive collections, and scientists that re-examine established narratives and relationships between people, place, environment, and time. Her work has been featured internationally, including at the ICA London, BBC, BFI, IDFA and Ars Electronica. She recently co-curated a major UK-wide, hybrid / live / digital project commissioned by the National Gallery, London. Wright is an alumni fellow of the MIT Open Documentary Lab, and currently works with the Arts Council of Wales.
LORI LANDAY, Moving Memory
Lori Landay, Ph.D. is professor of cultural studies, new media, and visual culture at Berklee College of Music, Boston. An interdisciplinary artist-scholar, she explores image, movement, and sound via live performance and XR. As an MIT Open Doc Lab Fellow (2022-24), she fused motion and emotion in Moving Realities. Learn more: www.lorilanday.com.
YUCEF MURHI, Open Access Memorial
Yucef Merhi is an artist, poet, coder and researcher, considered a pioneering figure in the field of Digital Arts. His practice explores the intertwining of language, technology, and human condition, highlighting the contemporary impact and combinatorial properties of poetry, code, and game/computer interfaces. Merhi’s works have been exhibited at the New Museum (New York), Bronx Museum (New York), LACMA (Los Angeles), Haus der Kulturen der Welt (Berlin), De Appel (Amsterdam), La Colonie (Paris), Seoul Museum of Art (Seoul), and the National Art Gallery (Caracas), as well as at the São Paulo-Valencia Biennial, California Biennial, Puerto Rico Polygraphic Triennial, and the 2025 New York Latin American Art Triennial, among others. Merhi is the recipient of a New York Foundation for the Arts fellowship in Digital/Electronic Arts, two Ellies Creator Awards, and is a 2020-22 Fellow and current collaborator at the MIT Open Documentary Lab. He is represented in the permanent collections of numerous museums, including The Museum of Modern Art | MoMA (New York). http://yucef.com
TAMARA SHOGAOLU, ORYZA: Healing Ground
Tamara Shogaolu is an Emmy® Award-winning, Peabody-nominated director, writer, and artist whose work merges cinematic storytelling with bold experimentation. Recognized by Forbes, The Guardian, and Vogue for her visionary approach to narrative and technology, she creates immersive worlds that bridge emotion and innovation, reimagining how histories are remembered, and futures envisioned. Her acclaimed projects have been presented at MoMA, IDFA, Tribeca, SXSW, Annecy, Sheffield Doc/Fest, and museums and galleries worldwide. She has been supported by the Sundance Institute, where she received the Stars Collective Imagination Award, and has collaborated with Netflix, Black Public Media, PBS, Frontline, Sony Pictures Animation, Unity, and Niantic. Shogaolu has presented her work and practice at leading institutions and festivals around the world, including Harvard, MIT, Yale, and Web Summit. She leads Ado Ato Pictures, an Amsterdam- and Los Angeles–based studio shaping new frontiers in storytelling through film, immersive media, and contemporary art.
MATHIEU PRADAT, Paper Boat
Mathieu Pradat is a filmmaker working in the fields of virtual reality and cinema. His practice is rooted in the growing interaction between virtual and real worlds, seen as territories that carry stories and emotions. He explores both linear and interactive narrative forms. His experiences and films (Proxima, The Roaming, Le Chien, Twist again à Lourdes) have been selected in numerous festivals, including La Mostra de Venise – Venice Immersive, Cannes Immersive, the GIFF (Geneva International Film Festival), the B3 (Frankfurt Biennale) and the Locarno Festival – La Rotonde. Mathieu Pradat lectures at the Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 and in high schools. He is a Villa Albertine laureate and a member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Open Documentary Lab. In 2010, he founded La prairie productions, an immersive content and film production company. Mathieu Pradat lives in Marseille.
SAHAR SAJADIEH, Paper Boat
Sahar Sajadieh is a computational media and performance artist, scholar, and poet. She holds a Ph.D. in Media Arts and Technology from UC Santa Barbara and a Master’s degree in Performance Studies from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She was an Open Documentary Lab Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a UC Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow at the UC San Diego Department of Visual Arts. For Sahar, artistic practice is a way to challenge the public’s comfort zones and provoke dialogue around difficult, often unspoken issues facing our communities. Through digital performance, poetic art-making, and interactive storytelling, her work playfully yet critically examines the underlying dynamics of social interaction and the exploitative systems of power embedded within technoculture. She uses code as her craft, her body as her medium, and emerging media, robotic actors, and artificially intelligent systems as her tools for creative practice and critical investigation.
AKMYRAT TUYLIEV, Producer
Akmyrat Tuyliyev is a producer at MIT Open Documentary Lab and a Visiting Assistant Professor at ASU’s Master’s in Narrative and Emerging Media program in Los Angeles, CA. Akmyrat served as an interactive producer at PBS’s POV Spark, where he produced award-winning, innovative nonfiction projects (Sundance, Tribeca, Webby-nominee). He taught immersive and interactive storytelling at the Interactive Media Arts program at NYU Tisch and Columbia University’s Digital Storytelling Lab.
COURTNEY B. COOK, Lead Austin Producer
Courtney B. Cook, PhD, is an Austin-based producer, cultural strategist, and Professor of Public History and Documentary Film at Texas State University. Her work sits at the intersection of documentary storytelling, public history, and socially engaged art. For seven years, Cook shaped education and impact strategy at PBS’s POV, supporting hundreds of independent documentary filmmakers within the public media ecosystem. She has participated as jury member, panelist, and mentor with Documentary Producer’s Alliance, Global Impact Producer’s Alliance, Big Sky Documentary Film Fest, Camden International Film Fest, Berinale’s EFM Doc Toolbox Program; and locally at Austin Film Festival, Austin Film Society, and sits on the Community Advisory Board’s of Austin PBS and Austin’s Video Consortium. Her publications, producing experiences, and speaking engagements can be found at Step Ladder Studios.
CASSIUS KELLY, Production Assistant
Cassius Kelly is an Austin-based archivist, archival producer, and production assistant. They earned their MSIS from the University of Texas at Austin, where they conducted original research on the history and preservation of state psychiatric institutions. His scholarship and exhibition work focuses on the production of space with/through/despite systems of oppression.
ANNA GRAIZBORD, Marketing & Communications Specialist
Originally from San Diego, California and an alum of Cal State Long Beach, Anna has been working in marketing and media since 2009 in New York City, and is now based in Chicago. Most recently, Anna was the Director of Marketing & Communications at American Documentary, producer of the series POV, POV Shorts, and America ReFramed. At the non-profit political news publication The American Prospect, Anna served as their first PR Director, accelerating their brand marketing, streamlining their public relations and development strategies. Anna spent four years at VICE Media in various positions, navigating both the branded and editorial sides. courtney
DANIELLE NDUBISI – Collaborator on ORYZA: Healing Ground
Danielle worked directly with Tamara Shogaolu to coordinate final location logistics for SXSW and beyond, as well as any supporting AR-related technical details. During SXSW, Danielle will be stationed at the installation to assist visitors with any questions about the project and the Hoverlay platform, and assisting at the XR center. Danielle is an M.A. Advertising candidate at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in audience development and storytelling through immersive spaces. In addition to her coursework, she volunteers with the Texas Immersive Institute within the Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, where she is helping develop an interactive wall installation that tells the Institute’s history through integrated monitors and a large-scale mural. She also holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and brings a strong foundation in spatial design and systems thinking to her work. Danielle’s professional focus is on creating thoughtfully designed, story-driven environments that engage audiences and spark meaningful conversation. LinkedIn profile here, and portfolio here.
IONA MINSHEW – Collaborator on Open Access Memorial
Iona Minshew is currently the Head of the Open and Digital Scholarship Unit at the University of Texas (UT) Libraries, where she has made significant contributions to advancing open scholarship. Initially hired as the head of acquisitions and electronic resources, she led the open content acquisitions strategy and played a key role in negotiating read-and-publish agreements that made scholarly content more accessible while waiving fees for authors. Iona continues to collaborate with authors and publishers to foster open scholarship not only for the UT Austin community but also beyond. She is deeply passionate about ensuring that all components of open scholarship are supported ethically, treating both content creators and end users with respect throughout the research process. Iona’s current research focuses on how AI is influencing open scholarship, studying its implications with a team at UT. She is also guiding the development of new AI policies for UT’s fellowship programs and open repositories, ensuring equitable access to knowledge and advancing scholarly communication in the digital age. LinkedIn profile here.
In addition to testing and documenting the AR experience, and involving additional local participants affiliated with The University of Texas at Austin, Open Access Memorial collaborators, with the artist, are discussing how to provide meaningful stories and resources to extend the current Open Access Memorial, based on Aaron Swartz’s manifesto and legacy. The current goal is to co-create more experiences that inspire, nurture, and broaden Austin’s OA movement.
JUAN ANDRES CISNEROS – Collaborator on Open Access Memorial
Juan Andres Cisneros is a multidisciplinary artist/musician born, living, and working in Austin Texas. His work addresses our relationship to technology, media, and how culture and memory are shaped through music, sound, and the mediated image. Juan received his BFA from the University of Texas in 2006 with a focus on video and performance, and an MFA in Music/Sound at Bard College. He has taught at UT Austin as a Transmedia Lab Manager and Lecturer, and he has also been part-time faculty at The Contemporary Austin and COTFG. Juan contributed to the artist collective the Totally Wreck Production Institute between 2004-2012 producing EIHITV, a public access television show, and a string of performances and group shows utilizing humor and speculative fiction to grapple with internet culture and corporeality. Juan has exhibited and performed locally with @okaymountain, @massgallery, @atmgallery, The @visualartscenter at the University of Texas, @lascruxes, @nmassfest, @hyperrealfilmclub, and @contemporaryatx. International shows and collaborations include working with @future_gallery, @space1026, and @interstateprojects. Instagram here, Tumblr here.
In addition to testing and documenting the AR experience, and involving additional local participants affiliated with The University of Texas at Austin, Open Access Memorial collaborators, with the artist, are discussing how to provide meaningful stories and resources to extend the current Open Access Memorial, based on Aaron Swartz’s manifesto and legacy. The current goal is to co-create more experiences that inspire, nurture, and broaden Austin’s OA movement.
PAARTH DEWAN – Collaborator on Open Access Memorial
Paarth Dewan is a first-generation Indian American storyteller, currently in his final year at The University of Texas at Austin. His diverse academic background spans Film, Business, Data Science, and Advertising, blending creative development with strategic insight. He is particularly drawn to scripted crime thrillers, sports documentaries, and feature adult animation, where truth, tension, and humanity collide. With experience as a Production Assistant and Camera Assistant across leading networks and studios, Paarth has built a strong foundation in collaboration, set communication, and industry professionalism. His passion lies at the intersection of film/TV development, streaming strategy, and emerging technologies like AI and virtual production. Ultimately, Paarth aims to create stories that resonate on a human level, combining instinct with insight to craft media that not only entertains but also inspires change and deep connection. Website here.
In addition to testing and documenting the AR experience, and involving additional local participants affiliated with The University of Texas at Austin, Open Access Memorial collaborators, with the artist, are discussing how to provide meaningful stories and resources to extend the current Open Access Memorial, based on Aaron Swartz’s manifesto and legacy. The current goal is to co-create more experiences that inspire, nurture, and broaden Austin’s OA movement.
LEO BRIGGS – Collaborator on Moving Memory
Leo Briggs is a faculty member in the dance department at Austin Community College, where he teaches ballet. Previously, he earned his MFA in Dance at The University of Texas at Austin under the mentorship of EG Gionfriddo. This year, Leo has performed with ARCOS Dance, Capital Contemporary Ballet, and Ventana Ballet. His choreographic work has been presented at Austin Dance Festival, OUTsider Festival, and the Cohen New Works Festival. You can find leo on social media under the handle @lbriggsmoves. Leo Briggs, with Cassius Kelly, spent time observing and documenting the public’s modes of engagement with Kempelen’s Owls in order to inform Moving Memory artist Lori Landay’s work.
ADRIAN AGUILERA – Collaborator on The Founders Pillars
Adrian Aguilera was born in Mexico’s industrial capital of Monterrey. He migrated as a young adult to the U.S., where he settled in Austin, Texas in the early 2010s. He received his BFA (2004) from The Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and an MFA in Creative Visual Arts at Cornell (2025). Working with a variety of mediums that include media art, sculpture, text-based work, print media, video, public art, and installations, he researches the intrinsic essence that resides in objects. With an interest in scientific observation, cultural history, and social issues, his work explores our relationship with the physical and cultural spaces we inhabit. He has exhibited both nationally and internationally at Artpace San Antonio, Johnson Museum, The State Silk Museum, Philbrook Museum, The Contemporary Austin, Fusebox Festival, Blanton Museum of Art, The George Washington Carver Museum, Alfred University, and the Museum of Human Achievement. His work has been featured in a variety of publications, including ARTFORUM, Frieze, NYT, Vogue, and Glasstire. He currently lives and works in Ithaca, NY, and Austin, TX. Adrian has co-created a new column for The Founders Pillars, localizing the fabric, the story and design. Adrian’s website is here, and Instagram here: @rarospeinadosnuevos.
CASSIUS KELLY – Collaborator on Moving Memory & Humble Monuments
Cassius Kelly is an Austin-based archivist, archival producer, and production assistant. They earned their MSIS from the University of Texas at Austin, where they conducted original research on the history and preservation of state psychiatric institutions. His scholarship and exhibition work focuses on the production of space with/through/despite systems of oppression. Cassius Kelly, with Leo Briggs, spent time observing and documenting the public’s modes of engagement with Kempelen’s Owls in order to inform Moving Memory artist Lori Landay’s work. For Humble Monuments, Cassius conducted interviews and captured audio for the installation.
FESTIVAL BEACH FOOD FOREST– Collaborator on Humble Monuments
The Festival Beach Food Forest is a community-led edible landscape located in Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park along Lady Bird Lake in East Austin. Established in 2014 after years of grassroots organizing, it is one of the first public food forests on city parkland in the United States. Designed using permaculture principles, the site transforms a former lawn into a living ecosystem of fruit trees, herbs, and native plants that visitors are encouraged to learn from and harvest. The following volunteer-members shared their time, experiences, and orientations to place-based, tender land stewardship with the Humble Monuments team: Angelina Alanis, Karen Luzius, Robert Leal and Meg Wood (Herbalist).
MEG WOOD – Collaborator on Humble Monuments
Meg Wood has been practicing herbalism in her community for 15 years. Alongside building a family with her wife, Summer, they’ve also been cultivating a tiny food forest and garden at their first home together. Meg’s love for plants is intricately woven into her role as a mother and caregiver, and she lives her life by the core value that caring for the earth is directly reflected in how we care for each other. She is currently pursuing her IBCLC with the goal of integrating her experience as an herbalist into her practice. As an herbalist, she shared her time, experience, and orientation to place-based, tender land stewardship with the Humble Monuments team.
Download photos of artwork, artists, and participants here.
The MIT Open Documentary Lab’s AR and Public Space Artist Collective is engaging in an ongoing inquiry using artistic research methodologies to explore how digital augmentation can reshape our understanding of place and build bridges between people and communities. The collective is part of a working group, comprised of lab fellows and alum, that is committed to social and spatial justice and researches how augmenting and connecting local environments with stories, information, and technology changes our relationship to place and to each other.
The MIT Open Documentary Lab studies and incubates new forms of documentary storytelling and co-creative methodologies using emerging technologies. Housed at MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning, the lab’s work sits at the intersection of story, technology and place.
Layers of Place: Austin has been made possible with generous support by:Agog: The Immersive Media Institute.