Introductions,
16mm colour film and video formats, 45 minutes, 1974 – 76
Peter Kennedy

“Introductions” is, in part, a synthesis of those instances of radical thought identified by Peter Kennedy in his interviews with the artist subjects of his film ‘Other than Art’s Sake’, 1973-1974, combined with his own, evolving, concepts of a socially directed art practice.

Begun in 1974 and completed in 1976, ‘Introductions’ documents Kennedy’s creative interaction with four recreational groups – a hot rod club, an embroidery guild, a bushwalking club, and a marching girl club – each club representing a different cultural context and social experience either within Sydney’s inner suburbs or, as was then the case, that city’s more marginalised, outer western suburbs.

The film, or video as presented in a gallery exhibition, presents aspects of each groups’ activities, while also explaining the intention of the project in documentary mode. Members of the four clubs are introduced to the members of other clubs through visual images the construction of which is integral to a cooperative engagement between artist and various club members.

Designed to reflect aspects of Australian society and culture – and because it shifts its focus away from Sydney’s art world sub-culture – “Introductions” proposes an alternative model for art practice; this is a socially directed practice produced by direct community engagement.