[Autonogram] Steve Kurtz/CAE update and NYC benefit

[Ben at Autonomedia]

greetings, all --

What's there to say about Steve Kurtz's case? Not much, at the 
moment. The grand jury hearing began this past Tuesday, amid a large 
public outcry and simultaneous demonstrations in Buffalo, Pittsburgh 
and San Francisco. Unfortunately, because the hearing is closed to 
the public and witnesses are sworn to secrecy, there's not much 
beyond speculation to report at this point. A lot of press attention 
HAS been drawn to the case, which is being archived at 
http://www.caedefensefund.org/press.html , along with much background 
information on the case.

Also of great value is the Critical Art Ensemble's own website 
describing the "Free Range Grains" project, the piece that was 
intended to be installed at MassMOCA and is now in the custody of the 
FBI. This can be found at 
http://www.critical-art.net/biotech/free/index.html along with 
in-depth descriptions of CAE's other critical work involving 
biotechnology.

The activist strategy that undergirds much of CAE's work is 
well-articulated in the third chapter of their recent book "Molecular 
Invasion", entitled "Transgenic Production and Cultural Resistance: A 
Seven-Point Plan."  The PDF of this chapter can be downloaded at 
http://www.critical-art.net/books/molecular/chapter3.pdf , and more 
on the book itself can be found at 
http://bookstore.autonomedia.org/index.cgi?pid=258 .

One of the most important things that can be done in support of the 
CAE is to understand what it is that they're doing and why it's 
important, and then spreading this around. Please tell people about 
this case, forward this email and links to the stories on the CAE 
Defense site, and help build a critical public awareness of why the 
State fears the kind of well-articulated opposition represented by 
the CAE.

* * * * *

ALSO:
There will be a benefit cabaret in NYC this coming Tuesday, June 22, 
at 8 pm, hosted by Gary Indiana at the Passerby Gallery, 436 West 
15th Street between 9th and 10th Aves in Manhattan. The evening will 
focus on video work, with screenings of Alex Bag's "Demo Reel/Coven 
Services" (2004), Gary Indiana's "Soap" (2004, and based on a Francis 
Ponge book), and Michel Auder's "My Last Bag of Heroin (For Real)" 
(1986). Also expect lots of talk and other cabaretic behavior from Mr 
Indiana, and be prepared to drink lustily from the gallery bar. CAE 
books will be available, with all sales going to the Defense Fund; 
all donations taken at the door will also go to their legal fund. 
Please come, and tell your NYC friends about it as well.

* * *

That's all for now, but expect more updates as this case progresses.

bests,
Ben / Autonomedia