Electronic Media Arts (Australia) was established in 1986 in association with the Australian International Video Festival with the aims of presenting an annual Festival, celebrating video art creation, as well as developing and presenting on-going exhibition, research and conference projects relating to the electronic arts including video art, computer-based arts, electronic/experimental sound arts and media performance arts. During the past 6 years the Festival has developed into a major video/computer art event, which has included special screenings and artists talks, including: Robert Cahen (F), Jeremy Welsh (GB), Maria Vedder (D), the Vasulkas (USA), Peter Callas (AUS), Dara Birnbaum (USA): and installation works by B ill Viola (USA), Lydia Schouten (NL), Uirike Rosenbach (D), Dara Birnbaum (USA). Each year the Festival presents over 100 new international videos as well as special compilation programs from overseas video art organisations /curators.
During the 1990’s video in Australia promises to develop rapidly as an expanded art form. A new generation of video artists/directors have begun to emerge from diverse backgrounds such as painting, photography, theatre, writing, music, computer graphics and film. The videos selected from EM A’s 1991 preview showreel for the 5th VideoFest 1992, Berlin are a cross-section of works from some of these emerging Australian artists and independent directors. EMA is grateful to the Australian Film Commission: the Visual Arts/Craft Board, the Federal Government’s arts funding and the NSW Film/TV Office for their continued support during 1992.
Brian Langer/Director EMA/AIVF