The UAE is a unique blend of geographical space and cultural interpretation, where tradition and innovation converge in a dynamic dance. Rooted deeply in history, its identity is also shaped by technology, offering a fascinating lens into societal expression worldwide. Festival X, hosted at the Ars Electronica Campus 2024, serves as a platform for emerging talents from three distinctive universities.
The UAE, both a geographical region and a cultural interpretation, thrives on the juxtaposition of tradition and innovation. Rooted in history, it embraces technology to shape its cultural identity, reflecting a unique societal expression. Festival X at Ars Electronica Campus 2024 amplifies voices from diverse universities:
Photo: Festival X
Photo: Festival X
Dubai Institute for Design and Innovation pioneers innovative design education, fosters collaboration and explores diverse disciplines.
American University of Sharjah blends traditional and digital art techniques, promoting global perspectives and interdisciplinary teamwork.
These faculties represent a blend of tradition and innovation, fostering dialogue amid diverse life circumstances. Festival X, along with its partners, showcases technology’s transformative potential in culture, highlighting cultural diversity in the way it is used and evaluated.
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I, Herself
Sahar Baniabbasi (IR)
I, Herself is a short animated film created by Sahar Baniabbasi that focuses on over-reliance on AI. The story follows the main character, who stumbles upon a mobile advertisement for a Robohelper who can assist her throughout her daily life: an AI maid of sorts.
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On This Land
Hend AlShamsi (AE), Jenine AlHamaydeh (PS)
On This Land is a project inspired by Mahmoud Darwish’s poem that sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians and visualizes the displacement through four stages. These stages mark shifts in the geopolitical landscape with land reduction and conflict.
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SkyBorn House of Wisdom
Yomna Badr (EG)
This virtual reality experience showcases the House of Wisdom in Baghdad and highlights inventions from the Islamic civilization. It aims to draw parallels between Islamic civilization and Western myths. SkyBorn House of Wisdom intends to immerse the user in a new environment, to use short narratives and videos with the goal of bridging historical narratives.…
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ti(d)es
Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (AE)
ti(d)es is an interactive installation that explores the power of collective action in keeping with the theme of the Ars Electronica Festival 2024. The installation embodies the concept of presence in absence, where connection and impact are felt across distances through simultaneous engagement between participants in Dubai and Linz.
Festival X Next Gen in Collaboration with American University of Sharjah and Dubai Institute for Design and Innovation
Festival X is a novel interdisciplinary platform based in Dubai which exists at the intersection of arts, science, and technology. It has the grand purpose of developing and nurturing a media arts community in the region, and ultimately positioning Dubai as a regional hub for media arts.
Credits
Festival X Export Team
Amin Davaei: Co-founder and Director, Co-curation; Martin Honzik: CEO, Curatorial Text, Co-curation; Roksana Taghvaei: Project Manager; Mona Samadani: Art Director; Shamim Allamezadeh: Graphic Designer; Shaghayegh Fakharzadeh: Graphic Designer; Roshan Takallomi: Coordination and Mediation
Special thanks to Gerfried Stocker, Christl Baur, Katsiaryna Suryna, Zlatan Filipovic, Joanne Hayek and Mirko Daneluzzo