Art for Transformation

Visitors were invited to a three-day series of activities in Tokyo in November 2024 under the motto Art for Transformation, highlighting the transformative potential of public engagement, creativity, and technological exploration.

The event at the Shibuya Sakura Stage building complex was part of a collaboration between Civic Creative Base Tokio (CCBT) and the Ars Electronica Futurelab, exploring how art can reshape societies in cities for a better future since 2022. Art for Transformation blended exhibitions, workshops, and discussions to demonstrate the transformative potential of collective creativity to drive innovation and build more connected, sustainable communities. 

The Ars Electronica Futurelab presented two inspiring hands-on workshops for participants of all ages. In the “Memory Volumes” workshop, visitors were able to experiment with the innovative 3D scanning technology Gaussian Splatting via the app Scaniverse by Niantic, Inc. Using the app, the participants captured and digitized elements of Shibuya – a new, imaginative way of preserving urban memories. The “Welcome to Planet B” workshop encouraged children to envision sustainable futures in the areas of nutrition, housing, and mobility. Using a specially designed workshop sheet, children brought their visions to life by drawing their ideal planet B – fostering discussions about a more sustainable world. 

Engaging talks and panel discussions further expanded on the theme of transformation, inviting experts from diverse fields to discuss the role of art as driving force for social innovation. Hideaki Ogawa, Ars Electronica Futurelab Artistic Director and CCBT Creative Director, discussed with Junji Shiraishi, Senior Manager of Business Development at Niantic, Inc. and CCBT Artist Fellow Miku Sega in the talk session “XR and the Future of Civic Creativity” the potential of XR to transform urban spaces and empower citizens to participate in shaping their environments. 

Ars Electronica also contributed to Art for Transformation with a special screening featuring works of the Ars Electronica Animation Festival 2023. This curated selection of cutting-edge digital animations offered visitors a glimpse into innovative narratives shaped by global artists. 

Credits

Ars Electronica Futurelab: Kerstin Blätterbinder, Denise Hirtenfelder, Susanne Kiesenhofer, Hideaki Ogawa, Johannes Pöll
Ars Electronica Japan: Keina Konno, Kyoko Kunoh
Guest Speakers: Junji Shiraishi, Miku Sega 
PARTNER: CCBTx