International Video Exchange Directory

About

In 1971, Michael Goldberg, an artist with the Intermedia collective, and under the aegis of Image Bank, mailed 1000 postcards worldwide calling for groups and individuals working with small-format video to form an international network. People responded listing their contact information, equipment used, and experience. The resulting data was published in the “Video Exchange Directory Bottin Video International”, the first of eight such directories published between 1971 and 1981.

It is easy to underestimate in the age of the internet how critical such directories were. Producers working alone or in small centres had few ways to find others exploring the new medium. The directories served as an introduction. Videomakers were expected to contact each other directly and the directories were not circulated outside the group.

The directory format changed considerably over the years: starting with a simple compilation of letter-size sheets stapled together; then soft-cover publications; finally becoming part of SVES’ tabloid magazine, Video Guide.

Contact library@vivomediaarts.com for access.