The city announced the recipients of the 2011 large matching fund grant recipients, and the Multimedia Research and Training Institute (MMRTI) at 23rd and Jackson is one of 12 recipients approved by the City Council. Awarded a grant of $74,310 (with a $60,500 volunteer match), MMRTI hopes to expand free access to its media production facilities.

Here’s how the project was described in the recipient document from the Department of Neighborhoods:

Augment Seattle’s public access television capabilities by providing free access to a state-of-the-art video studio, production classes, and Web distribution. Project will give a voice to underrepresented populations through high quality videos created by and for their communities.

The MMRTI offers classes, including video editing, photography and broadcasting. The organization was founded to serve immigrant communities in and around Seattle, according to the organization website:

Multimedia Resources and Training Institute is a non-profit organization serving immigrant communities around Seattle and its vicinity. In the past, some of its projects were sponsored by Ethiopian Community Mutual Association; Ethiopian Educational, Cultural, and Sport Center; Yesler Community Technology Learning Center; Ethio Digital & IT Services (EDITS), Rainer Vista Technology Center; Seattle Park & Recreation; East African Arts & Cultural Association; and Seattle Community Access Network (SCAN). Currently, the City of Seattle Technology Matching Fund program funds the project.

In other Department of Neighborhoods news, Bernie Matsuno has been confirmed as the department’s new Director.