Bush Video

Abstract

Bush Video was a unique collaborative video operation running on an unconsciously anarchic model. It was the seminal organisation through which video in many of its forms was established in Australia. Established in 1973 by Joseph el Khourri and Mick Glasheen, it’s initial role was to develop a cable network for community video at the Aquarius Universities Arts Festival held at Nimbin in May 1973. When the people who assembled around this task returned to Sydney after the festival Glasheen’s studio space in Ultimo became the centre for Bush Video activities. Video recording of local cultural events, alternative architectural discussion, film-making and computer graphics production as well as the development of new technical capacities particularly in video synthesis and electronic music as well as the deeper engagement of other artists in the experimental arts of the time meant that there was a constant flow of production and a regular display of new work through the Bush Video Theatre that occurred on weekends in the studio. In 1974 Bush Video moved to Guriganya in Paddington, and continued its operations with ongoing and new involvement from people who were also attracted to the loose network structure and its experimental activities. I will explore its activities and work produced through its two year history.