The past 40 years have been very good for Ed Video, the Guelph media arts organization that has thrived by keeping pace with artistic and technological changes.
An upcoming party, followed closely by a major symposium, will serve to launch the organization into the next 40 years.
“Inherent to video is a welcoming and an openness to the way the technology advances,” said program director Scott McGovern, who has been with the organization for 11 years, loving it more as a passion than a job.
“Unlike perhaps some other mediums, we are in no danger of being obsolete," he continued. "Because what Ed Video does seems to always be increasing in popularity and potential.”
Despite being around for four decades, the media art that Ed Video fosters is still called New Media. And the field remains relatively new in the world of artistic activity. It has certainly found its stride, but is hasn't come close to reaching its potential.
In two weeks, a big 40th anniversary bash will happen at ANAF, 32 Gordon Street downtown, with music by The Dogs and Clara Engel, and the audio/video art of David J. Knight. There will be video projects from the Ed archive. It event goes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Admission is free.
The event will also feature the launch of XAGGERA Publication’s Fenylalazine, with over 20 contributors.
The symposium takes place on the following day, Saturday, Oct. 1, from noon to 9 p.m., at Ed Video’s 404 York Rd. location. There will be talks by artists, tech gurus, theorists, including Maya Ben David, Thirza Cuthand, Laura De Decker, and Nick BenBoer.
Speaking of advancing tech, a Google Cardboard demonstration and workshop with be a feature of the symposium, along with a keynote address by Andrew McLuhan, the grandson of legendary media theorist Marshall McLuhan. Admission for this event is also free.
Over its 40-year life, Ed Video has fostered a storehouse of projects, activities and success stories in Guelph and beyond, McGovern added. He said a great many video artists learn their skills using Ed Video equipment and instruction, and launched careers as a result.
“There are many stories of people who have almost become inaccessible due to their success, even though they used to be members,” he said.
The trick to sustaining the organization well into the future, McGovern said, is to not resist new technology or the many changes that come with it.
“When something new comes along that makes something else obsolete, a lot of people who are invested in old technology really resist it,” he said. “That’s a losing battle every time.”
Remaining open to what’s new is of vital importance. The symposium focuses on coming innovations, how to adapt to them and embrace them.
A full schedule is available here.
