HISTORY

East Bay Media Center was established in 1980 as a 501(c)3 Non-profit Corporation. By providing technical and educational media needs to communities in the East Bay, EBMC gained popularity as a Media advocate for community involvement, especially for marginalized youth and minorities.

In the mid -1980’s, EBMC pioneered the camcorder and personal computer video revolution by being the first production/post-production organization to offer integrated video/computer workstations. EBMC created specialized training programs to provide independent producers and organizations with the necessary tools for successfully navigating new technologies.

In August 1986, EBMC Board of Directors, Mel Vapour, Paul Kealoha Blake and Gloria Belsky presented to Berkeley City Council, a proposal to establish and create a Public Access Cable TV Facility to Mayor Gus Newport. EBMC developed their Interim Access Facility on University Avenue.

In the late 1980’s, EBMC developed Disability Video training programs, and with the help of two California Arts Council Grants and two Vanguard Foundation Grants, we provided the basis for a variety of programming including: African Connections, Pacific Wave, Barrier Free TV, Video 99, and Berkeley Muzik TV.

To provide a public venue for the works of unknown video artists and producers, EBMC created Berkeley Video & Film Festival in 1991. The festival boasts a growing audience, national attention, and international entries.

The NEW EAST BAY MEDIA CENTER, located in Downtown Berkeley's Arts District, was founded by Mel Vapour and Paul Kealoha Blake in 1998. With the acquisition-purchase of its new Facilities, a new chapter in the future history of EBMC has been chartered.

EAST BAY MEDIA CENTER BUILDING, CIRCA 1930, 1939 ADDISON STREET

Archival Articles on EBMC - ( under construction )

From The East Bay Express - circa -1993

From Videomaker Magazine Nov./Dec. 1989