Gestalten is primarily known as a publisher of hundreds of books on art, design and contemporary culture, with a focus on emerging creators and trends. But its engagement with the creative community goes well beyond books. Among other activities, it publishes a small but spirited collection of fonts, helps organize and promote exhibitions, and is behind the Release the Freaks site devoted to limited-edition art toys, covered here earlier. And now it has deepened its early involvement in video to create Gestalten.tv.

The move made sense, since Gestalten has been developing experience in the area for some time by creating clips related to its publishing releases and has extended this to documenting exhibitions and live performances. You may have come across some of the resulting podcasts on iTunes, covering everything from graphic design and typography, to product and furniture design, architecture and photography. Clips on Gestalten.tv to not miss include an interview with Michelle Carr of The Velvet Hammer Burlesque and a documentary about the Fragiles exhibition, a still of which is shown above.

Will mainstream art and design book publishers take note and follow Gestalten's initiative? One can only hope.