The evolution of technology is providing media artists with direct access to larger audiences. As this continues, the need for underground distribution networks will change or disappear. Yet, while open access has legitimized formerly renegade practices and restructured the financing of mainstream distribution, it has also created an effect on making work and the outcome of who sees the work. Artists appear to be in control of creating new work that takes advantage of technological advances, yet are they making their own decisions about distribution? This panel will discuss the politics of access. April 7 / 3:30 - 5:30 pm Moderator: Neil Sieling, Mod TV Panelists: Robert Atkins, Research Fellow, Studio for Creative Inquiry, Carnegie Mellon University Kathy Rae Huffman, Professor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Esther Robinson, Creative Capital