Hi Rhizomers,

I would like to thank all those, who have given their time in generously
discussing and sharing their views and thoughts regarding Mark Tribe's
book on 'New Media Art'. It has been genuinely debated, offering much
thoughtful qualities and excellent insights about other people's ideas,
conceptions on the subject.

Not only has there been some really interesting and varied
explorations/convictions expounded on this list by those who are
curious. I have received many emails (off-list) from people who have
declared their own personal experiences regarding representation and
top-down, cultural gate-keeping and its nuances. Much of the emails
received, refer to different situations that are not all directly
relating to the publication of the book in question but, are linked or
inspired contextually, and have come about through the recent
discussion, that has taken place on this list. There have also been
emails sent suggesting constructive alternatives and 'potentially'
imaginative projects and examples on how to move forward productively,
which I intend to pursue in due time, with some of these individuals,
collaboratively.

The questions I proposed to the Rhizome list were aware of the
resposnibility of having to be respectful and sincere, and were
thankfully by many, seen as legitimate and worth while issues for
consideration. It is also important to mention that the questions were
not meant to offend or impose personal malice to Mark Tribe himself. I
also wish to re-emphasise that my questions do not come from spite,
jealousy or even from a psychological stance of, a 'submissive' whinge.
Although, some might wish that was the case ;-)

One psychological effect or power-relation that I have noticed when
asking such questions, especially when not framed within an academic
'canon-like' language or context is, that the speaker in question, can
easily be placed in the unfortunate position of being stigmatised as a
whiner. This all too often, dumbs down the original and urgent energy of
the dialogue itself taking place, and can work to silence the dissenter
as well act to dis-empower those who wish explore further in sharing
their ideas authentically with others. We are dealing with a much more
complex form of circumstances here than just putting it down to
emotional insecurities. Perhaps, those who wish to entrap those under
such terms should take time to question their own motives in proposing
such misappropriations.

I am a strong believer in studying what is working out there, it is a
type of conceptual or cultural hacking with a social context but, I am
also interested viewing what seems to be working out there as well. And
building something more closer to a shared vision, with other peers
(from different back grounds), as part of a wider and inclusive, media
art practise. This also means making things become and work by offering
real, solid examples. Many of the projects that I have been part of are
critical engagements that, in their functions, content and context and
are in a way, answers to many of the questions that myself and other
people who I work with, have asked. We have taken it upon ourselves to
try and create real-life alternatives.

For me, it is not enough to sit at the sidelines (or centre) and
passionately argue about certain situations that seem wrong, in contrast
to one's own (or group's) contemporary perspectives, and then - do
nothing about it. We have been doing something about it for years now,
and by 'example' and we intend to carry on doing so, through our
critical practise as artists, writers, activists, curators and so on…
in consciously creating, co-building new initiatives and platforms that
challenge 'self imposed' hierarchies that seem 'unconscious' or
non-responsive by default, yet continue to try and shape our own
histories on their terms, not ours.

Furtherfield, and its connected projects that either use the Internet or
in physical space, were not born out of the need of power, status,
profile, money or any institutional concepts but, out of a grass roots
sense of urgency to create a cultural shift in, allowing ourselves and
others like us who felt dissatisfied with the way that other 'so called
peers' out there - seemed to be radical in their conceptual reasonings
yet actually didn't really want to change anything other than their own
status as 'specialised' individuals, and creating a currency out of
'being' radical but, not actually changing culture itself through their
proposed creative endeavours. Culture is a palette :-)

We have actively been part of Node.London (www.nodel.org) that was a
decentralised media arts festival, that showed media art in various
regions and venues, projects as nodes around London. It also used a
consensus model for meetings, which was not easy. "During March 2006
people across London found new and creative ways to produce, display and
distribute art and media, employing electronic or digital technologies,
whether audiovisual, computerised, or telematic. Inviting practitioners
to put themselves on the map and to describe their connections to other
individuals, projects and venues. Raising the visibility of media arts
practice in and around the capital, to fortify existing media arts
networks and to encourage production and experimentation, whilst
assisting in the articulation of such innovative artistry to a wider
audience."

I think that Mark has missed an amazing opportunity to open things up
and reflect upon 'New Media Art's', wider context(s). Perhaps he feels
that he has done his bit for our ever changing culture, and that it is
now up to the likes of groups like furtherfield - to take it to the next
step (we always have) but, if such groups are ignored and not given the
well deserved support and respect, by those who are communicating to
other audiences about our culture in a more inclusive manner, it will be
presumed as a political act by not doing so. Then, of course, it is
simply much more about defining a historical territory that is not real.
This is not an imaginative way of representing and in this day and age
we all deserve to be part of a more decentralised process that opens
things up in regard to voices claiming their own spaces, in a less
singular manner, after all, it is (new) media art that we are talking
about here.

This of course, is not a responsibility that specifically rests on Mark
Tribe's shoulders alone, and one cannot and should not place emphasis on
him. It is up to everyone, which includes us - we, ourselves have a job
to do in making sure that this inspiring and varied art form, does not
fall into the 'all too easy' trap of divide and rule.

It is up to all of us to reclaim the spirit of what we are, and make
sure that we are represented decently by those who claim to know about
our practise. We also need to be more conscious and aware of such
things, and represent each other more readily whenever we can, so that
when those who put themselves in such positions who suddenly or
conveniently, either by not being aware or deliberately ignoring other
creative adventures out there, are (thoughtfully) questioned about their
decisions and actions.

It definitely, is not about insulting people personally because if one
does that, then why would they include you? It is not about motives as
puerile, modernist and empty as toppling kings and queens and then just
standing on their thrones - such gestures would be even sadder. It is
more about our voices and practises being acknowledged equally, and that
we are all given a chance to be seen for the hours and time that we have
all put in. We have all given each other the opportunities that are
shared here to some extent, some of it is obvious and some in more
subtle ways. It is time to hand in our slips and claim our credits but,
do it right.

Indeed, Many users on this list are accurate in their observations that,
history is not made by books alone. The unofficial versions of history
in respect of media art will be an even more fascinating experience for
all those who are interested in moving beyond the surface, in
deciphering the ad-hoc allegiances and power relations that have been
built by such a fluid culture. A 'critical practise', is urgently
needed, so to engage with our contemporary manoeuvres and cultural
needs. Aligned with our creative communities which need not be born out
of a 'singular' hollow aim, of 'high profile' but, out of the need that
'we can make a difference' if we can be bothered that is. It is not
about what we inherit, it is about what we have built together. Whether
this is through projects, groups, art, curation, writing, platforms - it
does not matter - we need to just get on with it now before our
histories are stolen from under own feet or not distributed appropriately.

I noticed in Rhizome's recent Digest that none of this conversation was
covered regarding the book of the recent publication of 'New Media Art'.
Which I personally respect and understand why not, for I really do not
wish for the discussion that has taken place to get in the way of
Rhizome's celebrating its 10th anniversary.

So, Many happy returns to Rhizome and keep up the good work in
re-evaluating yourself and continiously moving on - and thanks for being
there :-)

marc garrett.