Loewinger, Larry

Association of Video and Filmmakers: The Fab Formation (of a Media Arts Organization) Groups

The Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers (AIVF) formed in the mid-1970s around organizers including John Culkin and founding board member and first president Ed Lynch; early activity comprised screenings, workshops and advocacy, notably a late-1974 Fifth Avenue Cinema series and a national campaign that defeated an AFI federal funding bill. AIVF established ICAP and in 1975 incorporated the Foundation for Independent Video and Film (FIVF) to dispense grants; it administered CETA funds beginning in 1977 and a NEA-funded Short Film Showcase, grew from 99 Prince Street to 625 Broadway, and published The Independent.