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New Media Art Festivals
- New media art festivals are events that provide a space to present and discuss work, and allow artists, professionals, students and the public alike to explore new modes of artistic expression. Their ability to attract a large-scale, diverse audience in a concentrated period of time encourages the integration of new media art into Australian culture and lifestyle (Cadwallader, 2004, p108). New media art festivals expand internationally, and are often characterised by guest speakers, debating, critical discussion, music, short-film screenings, writing and technology or media art displays.
Funding
- Festivals remain an important space for culture sharing and the promotion of arts activities. However, the considerable expenses associated with hosting any arts festival requires the time and effort of numerous supporting bodies. The costs associated with staging and maintaining new media artwork is lowered from sponsorships provided by either the federal government or other arts bodies (Cadawaller, 2004, p108). Festivals are also usually staffed by volunteers and organisers (O'Rourke, 2001, p.17).
- In particular, Australian producers from the Australian Council for the Arts work hard to push Australian new media art into national and international festivals and touring circuits (Miller, 2003, p.14). Through these efforts, Australian and international communities alike have the chance to experience Australian new media art.
Australian Festivals
- Electrofringe is Australia's largest annual New Media Arts festival. It is held in Newscastle as a part of the This is Not Art festival and serves as a meeting place for the young, creative, independent arts and media minds of the country (Octapod, 2000). This is Not Art is an arts festival converging writing, music, arts, design and environmentalism, and in accordance with Electrofringe aims to unearth young media artists by encouraging young minds to explore technology and rethink the creative use of media, art and technology (This is Not Art, 2005).
- Undergrowth is a two-year arts program (2005-06) across the UK that is comprised of Australian art. It is an initiative of the Australia Council for the Arts, aimed at presenting Australian contemporary and new media art to the UK.
- The Next Wave festival in Melbourne, Artrage and the Biennale of Electronic Arts in Perth also provide important spaces for the promotion of a wide range of new media arts activities.
International Festivals
EUROPE
Germany
- The European Media Art Festival takes place in Osnabruck over four days and presents current trends and developments in international media art (Terhorst, 2005).
- Transmediale is held in Berlin and provides a platform for artistic expression and critical reflection on digital technology and its present-day role (Transmediale, 2005).
Austria
- ARS Electronica is held in Linz and is composed of lectures, exhibitions, installations, concerts and performances dedicated to discussion and reflection upon media culture.
France
- Vilette Numerique is held in Paris and generally questions the relationship between art and technology
Netherlands
- Dutch Electronic Art Festival is a biennial international festival held in Rotterdam that features critical discussion, exhibitions, seminars, workshops and presentations.
Spain
- Sonar is a meeting point for artists, professionals and the public in advanced music and multimedia art. The festival is comprised of over 300 activities.
ASIA
Thailand
- Thailand New Media Arts Festival is held by ICECA (Initiative for Cultural Exchange and Computer Arts) three times a year.
Hong Kong
- Microwave promotes the cultural exchange and appreciation of new media art.
Japan
- Digital Art Festival (DAF) specifically relates to digital art
OCEANIA
New Zealand
- Version is a 6-day festival and features discussion and presentation about science, media, art, design and music.
USA
- Version is held in Chicago and focuses on art, media, technology and politics.
CANADA
- Mutek is held in Montreal and facilitates an international gathering to share and experience music, sound and new technologies.
Further Information
External Links
- Rhizome.org provides useful information on upcoming net art events throughout the world
- Cultureandrecreation.gov is an Australian Government website providing websites for new media arts events and festivals in Australia
Internal Links
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References
- Cadwallader, H. (2004) "Arts Infrastructure for New Media in England: Some Background Notes", in L. Kimbell (ed.) New Media Art: Practice and Context in the UK 1994-2004, Manchester: Cornerhouse Publications, pp.107-110. ISBN 0948797886
- Miller, S. (2003) "Hybrid Art: Cultural Biodiversity", in K. Gallasch (ed.) In Repertoire: A Guide to Australian New Media Art, Sydney: RealTime, pp.13-14.
- O'Rourke, C. (2001) "It may not be art, but Newcastle sure knows what it likes," The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 Sep., p.17.
Contributors to this entry include:
--Marnie-Anne Snow 09:52, 28 Oct 2005 (EST)
Word Count: 562 words
