Upgrade! New York: Free Media with Graham Harwood + Picture New York :: July 31, 7:30 PM :: Eyebeam, art and technology center :: 540 West 21st Street, New York City, New York, 10011.

Join us for a special Upgrade! this Tuesday with Graham Harwood, who will talk about his work on the MediaShed / Eyebeam collaboration to create Gearbox, an open source tool kit for editors and media makers of all skill levels. MediaShed have been working together with the Eyebeam Production Lab Fellows Jeff Crouse, Evan Harper, Geraldine Juarez, and Chris Sugrue to create Gearbox. Harwood will discuss this and other “free-media” projects that re-purpose publicly accessible materials and equipment for creative expression.

The presentation coincides with a critical moment in NYC legislation, as the Mayor’s Office of Theater, Film and Broadcasting - the division of city government that issues permits for television and film production in the city - considers a new bill that would require permits for even the most casual of camera-wielding, not to mention proof of a $1 million insurance policy covering the “shoot”.

In conjunction, a representative from Picture New York, a coalition of concerned filmmakers and photographers fighting against proposed restrictions on photography in public space will make a special appearance to discuss the proposed restrictions and ways to take action. Picture New York will be participating in a press conference and First Amendment-themed rally at Union Square at 6:30pm this Friday, July 27. Picture New York have also prepared a petition available here: and are calling for photographers and filmmakers to post work shot in NYC or new work commenting on this issue to YouTube or Flickr.

Graham Harwood is the artistic director of the UK artist group Mongrel. His main interests are in the networked image and helping other people set things up for themselves. He currently lives at the mouth of the Thames with fellow Mongrel member Matsuko Yokokoji and their son Lani, were they are helping to set up MediaShed.

MediaShed is the first “free-media” space to open in the east of England. The central principle of free-media is the principle of FREEDOM, both individual expression and for new approaches to culture and a sustainable society. It’s a place where members can come hang out, learn, propose some training, create and propose new projects using free-media or show things they have made on one of our screening nights. The MediaShed is designed to be as open and accessible as possible, welcoming all.