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The Experimental Television Center was founded
in 1971, an outgrowth of a media access program established by
Ralph Hocking at Binghamton University in 1969. The Center's
original programs involved artists, students and teachers as
well as the interested community in activities which included
access to portable video equipment and editing facilities, a
weekly community cable series "Access", an extensive
series of workshops and an annual exhibition series "Video
by Videomakers", research and development of imaging tools
and systems, a residency program and support services for artists.
Today the Center offers a unique concentration on electronic image-making by providing production, research and support services and a grants program for artists and arts organizations. The Center has provided residencies to over 1100 artists from throughout the world. This program offers a retreat-like environment which emphasizes aesthetic exploration in the creation of new work. Each year about 60 artists participate in the program, coming from all parts of the United States. Artists' videotapes are exhibited extensively throughout the United States and internationally. The work is distributed by Electronic Arts Intermix and Video Data Bank and represented in many institutional collections. Housed at the Center is an extensive archive which contains early video and computer technology, print materials and nearly 1000 original tapes which chronicle the history of electronically based art over the last 25 years. In collaboration with Media Alliance and other media centers, we are participating in computerized cataloging activities under the guidance of the National Moving Image Database project of the American Film Institute. With its focus on the design and construction of flexible imaging tools, research efforts over the past 25 years have resulted in the creation of a multi-channel colorizer, keyers, sequencers and a frame buffer. The research program was initiated to provide a more flexible set of imaging tools to artists. Beginning with modifications to existing equipment, the Center progressed to the design and construction of image processing equipment. One of the early projects involved the construction of the Paik/Abe Video Synthesizer, under the direction of Nam June Paik and Shuya Abe, for the TV Lab at WNET-TV. The Center's image processing system was further expanded in 1974 with the addition of the first Jones Colorizer and in 1975 with a set of keyers, a multi-input syncable sequencer and a bank of oscillators, all designed and constructed by David Jones. In 1975 the Center proposed the use of a computer as a digital image generating and control system for analog video imaging modules. Participants at the Center included Richard Brewster, David Jones, Dr. Don McArthur and Walter Wright working in collaboration with Steina and Woody Vasulka, then at the University of Buffalo, and Jeffrey Schier. The program eventually concentrated efforts on the expansion of the digital aspects of the system, centering on commercially available equipment like the Amiga computer and Toaster. Innovations included a 32 page frame buffer with control software and 2-D print software, designed by Jones. Presently the Amiga systems have been further expanded with the additions of an audio keyboard and control software and a Toaster. We consult with artists and arts organizations about systems structures and encourage use of low-cost, alternative technologies, especially those based on personal computers, as a way of ensuring access to the tools necessary to the creation of electronic media art. The Center also provides support services to artists, serving as a sponsoring organization for projects in the electronic and film arts, assisting with proposal development and providing fiscal and administrative management. Since 1989 we have awarded over $280,000 to organizations and artists through the Film and Electronic Arts Grants Program. Presentation Funds assists New York State organizations with the exhibition of film, video, audio and digital art. Emphasis is placed on developing new audiences and exhibition venues, on assisting organizations with special constituencies, and on introducing new works to new audiences. Applications are accepted at any time. Finishing Funds provides about 25 awards each year to New York State's film and electronic media artists for the completion of new work. The deadline for Finishing Funds is March 15th each year. The Center is supported by the contributions of artists and by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Ralph Hocking, Director Sherry Miller Hocking, Assistant Director Dave Jones, Systems Consultant Hank Rudolph, Program Coordinator |
