Video History Project

Chronology

Media Equipment Resource Center (MERC)

Date
1970
Equipment access funded by New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), Media Equipment Resource Center (MERC) established, administered by Young Filmakers' Foundation. Provides short-term loan pool for Super-8 and 16mm film equipment.
Cite this record

"Media Equipment Resource Center (MERC)." Video History Project, Experimental Television Center, 2011. https://www.videohistoryproject.org/media-equipment-resource-center-merc.

Download RIS citation

Submit a change or correction

If unchecked, this will appear as a public note on the site immediately. Spam filters may delay publication, but all submissions are reviewed by staff.

Changes will be reviewed and integrated as time permits. For major changes, feel free to email [email protected].

Last modified 16 May 2011

Related records

  • Media Equipment Resource Center (MERC) Chronology

    Media Equipment Resource Center (MERC), New York City, initiated by Young Filmmakers/Video Arts opens. Equipment loan service for artists and organizations

  • Media Equipment Resource Center (MERC) Chronology

    Media Equipment Resource Center (MERC), New York City, reorganizes as access service with TV studio, equipment loan and post-production divisions

  • The MERC Directory Chronology

    Publication of The MERC Directory: A Listing of Independently Produced Film and Video Work Available for Distribution by Young Filmakers/Video Arts

  • Film/Video Arts Groups

    Film/Video Arts began in 1968 when educators Rodger Larson and Lynne Hofer with filmmaker Jaime Barrios introduced 16mm equipment to Latino youth; it incorporated as the Young Filmakers Foundation and expanded after a major 1970 grant. In 1971 it opened the Media Equipment Resource Center (MERC) in a West 53rd Street basement to provide free production and postproduction services; it consolidated activities at 4 Rivington Street in 1973 and shifted focus to adults by 1978. Its founder's mission to make media tools and skills available remains its guiding force.

  • The MERC Directory: A Listing of Independently Produced Film and Video Work Available for Distribution Bibliography

    Film and Videotape catalog

  • New York State Council on the Arts Annual Report 1975-76 and 1976-77 Groups

    The 1975–76 and 1976–77 NYSCA reports cover TV/Media and Film programs under Program Director Peter Bradley, listing staff, advisory panels, and itemized statewide grants. Total funds received were $35,947,000 (1975–76) and $29,015,900 (1976–77); the Film program made 62 grants totaling $1,078,549 in 1976–77 and joined an NEA matching project with the Council providing $137,000. The Media Equipment Resource Center (MERC) provided free equipment loans and post-production facilities, serving 428 artists/187 organizations in 1975–76 (saving $677,152) and 493 artists/129 organizations in 1976–77 (saving over $668,202).