The 18th ADAF is here and it is FutuRetro!

*/ 18th Athens Digital Arts Festival | FutuRetro | Call for Entries

 

The 18th Athens Digital Arts Festival invites you to submit your proposals for its next hybrid (physical and online) edition that will take place in spring and fall 2022 respectively, in Athens, under the theme “FutuRetro” which calls us to see the future through the eyes of the past and the past through the eyes of the future. Deadline for submissions is on the 1st of March 2022.

FutuRetro

Futurology as a science, is a branch of social studies, parallel to the field of History. Is postulating the probable, possible, and preferable scenarios and the worldviews for the future, also taking under consideration the beliefs  and myths which imply them.

A precious instrument for this field has proven the art-genre of Science Fiction, from which one can easily ascertain that what begins as fictional, especially when it comes to a “technological marvel”, can indeed become a reality in the future. Aeroplanes, Spaceships, Robots, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Biotechnology, the Anthropocene era, are some of the ideas and notions that have materialized through science and technology after originally being fictitious mentions in fantasy futures or alternative realities of this art genre. Criticizing the route of contemporary and future society, Science Fiction and Futurology are often taking the form of contestation, while exploring the possible ramifications of innovation, in society, science and technology. With this quality they are capturing the “cultural wallpaper” and warn about its probable  evolution.

“And because today’s real life so resembles day-before-yesterday’s fantasy, the old-time fans are restless. Deep within, whether they admit it or not, is a feeling of disappointment and even outrage that the outer world has invaded their private domain. They feel the loss of a ‘sense of wonder’ because what was once truly confined to ‘wonder’ has now become prosaic and mundane.”– Isaac Asimov

Next to futurology comes the aesthetic movement of retrofuturism. Frequently emanating from dissatisfaction towards the present, retrofuturism is attempting a depiction of the future, as dreamed on at an earlier age, offering skepticism and implying the reevaluation of technological means. It explores the relationship of the past and the future, and in extension  the impact of technology which appears sometimes alienating and sometimes empowering, through a nostalgic contrast. If futurism is characterized by the feverish anticipation of what will come, retrofuturism is the reminder of this anticipation.

“Take hold of the future or the future will take hold of you.”- Patrick Dixon 

The International Festival of Digital Arts in Greece, Athens Digital Arts Festival has chosen the theme FutuRetro, with a retrospective mood for its coming of age 18th edition ADAF 2022. Taking on the occasion of the contemporary discomfort and scepticism over the present time, especially after the pandemic and economic crisis, the climate change e.t.c. The festival is turning towards science fiction and retrofuturism -as part of futurology- to see the technological milestones of today both through the eyes of the past, and as foreshadowing for the future. What was the past speculating about the technology of the present? How is retro technology being reused today in the section of art – technology and science? Will the contemporary cutting edge technology e.g. NFTs, AI, Contemporary Robotics, Biotechnology e.t.c be considered the retro of tomorrow? Are the current tech speculations such as superintelligence, 3D bioprinting, mind uploading, singularity, transhumanism e.t.c. the actual future? What will that mean for humankind?

We call for artists, scientists, intellectuals, technologist and every other creator to submit their applications to the respective categories, Installations, Video Art, Performances, Web Art, Animation, Digital Image, VR/AR, Games, Talks, Workshops, Music, Kids (which contains all of the above addressed to children) till the 1st of March. All applications will be considered for assemblage of the 18th edition, physical and online, which will take place in spring and fall 2022 respectively. The shortlisted artists will be notified via email for the status of their application and details regarding the possible presentation of their work in any or both of the festival versions.

“Join us, in seeing the future through the eyes of the past and the past through the eyes of the future…”

READ MORE

Detailed information about the submission process and the call for entries is available at the following link: www.adaf.gr

#ADAF2022 #TheNewRetro #Futuretro #Futurology #Sci-Fi #Retrofuturism

Call for Volunteers

Come join the dynamic team of The Athens Digital Arts Festival for an ultimate volunteer experience!

17th ATHENS DIGITAL ARTS FESTIVAL ONLINE: 20.09.21 – 31.10.21 | PHYSICAL: 13.10.21 – 17.10.21 HISTORIC CENTER OF ATHENS

The Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) is back with its 17th annual event “Tāctus,” a theme that aims to redefine human connection and relationships. This year’s festival will launch with an online edition on September 20th and peak with a physical exhibition in the Historic Center of Athens, from October 13th to October 17th.

For this, ADAF needs YOU!

Volunteers play a vital part in The Athens Digital Arts Festival. Every year, a group of wonderful creative people gather to join the Festival’s team in order to support the festival while developing their own skills, knowledge and experience. Whether you will assist in audience reception, exhibition set-up, production or guided tours, you will certainly leave with an enriched, fun, unique experience as well as an official participation certificate. Your role will depend on your preferences, skill set, interests and availability.

If you are over 18 and feel you is the right fit to join our team, please fill in the following form before September 26th, 2021.

Human, AI, or Hybrid? Submit your proposals for ADAF 2024: Techno(s)cene

Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) wishes you a happy year full of creativity, inspiration, and innovation! 2024 marks a milestone year for the festival, as the 20th-anniversary edition of ADAF will take place in spring and autumn 2024 in Athens, Greece, and online, respectively, under the theme Techno(s)cene. In the spirit of embracing the global artistic community and ensuring that every human, AI, or hybrid creator has the opportunity to participate in this celebration of digital culture, we announce the extension of the call for entries until January 20, 2024, at 2024.adaf.gr.

FROM AVAF TO ADAF: 20 YEARS OF DIGITAL INNOVATION
Since its inception in 2005 until today, the festival has been a platform for showcasing all forms of digital art, exploring the intersection of art, technology, and science. Over the years, ADAF has evolved into a dynamic, multidimensional space of creativity and artistic innovation, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of digital arts and showcasing new artistic voices. Collaboration with creators experimenting with various media and challenging their boundaries has been a timeless privilege for ADAF, creating new realities and immersive experiences in each edition.

ADAF 2024: TECHNO(S)CENE
For the 20th anniversary edition, the Athens Digital Arts Festival, titled Techno(s)cene, honors its history while setting the pace for the future of the event. Drawing inspiration from the terms technocene and technoscience, ADAF 2024 reflects how technology has become a new environment—a dominant force permeating our lives, perceptions, and creative expressions. Simultaneously, it highlights the transformative power of technology and science. Techno(s)cene explores different aspects and alternative proposals—dystopian or utopian—within these fields through the perspectives of artists, whether they are humans, AI machines, or hybrids. For ADAF, Techno(s)cene is a celebration of the digital culture scene—of the people participating in it as creators or spectators, making the festival a dynamic platform.

ADAF 2024: CALL FOR ENTRIES
For 2024 edition, ADAF invites creators from different fields and communities who challenge conventions, reclaim narratives, and ignite the collective imagination to become part of this unique event. We invite artists, scientists, intellectuals, technologists, and creators from every corner of the world to contribute to the diverse spectrum of ADAF 2024: Techno(s)cene by submitting their applications by January 20, 2024, at 2024.adaf.gr in the categories: Video ArtAnimationDigital ImageInstallationWeb ArtGamesVR/AR/XRTalksWorkshopsKidsPerformance, and Music. All applications will be considered for inclusion in the 20th edition, both physical and online, which will take place in Spring and Fall 2024, respectively. Shortlisted artists will be notified regarding the status of their application and details about the possible presentation of their work in either or both festival versions.

Explore more at adaf.gr.

*/ ADAF 2024: “Techno(s)cene” | Call for Entries for the 20th Anniversary Edition

The Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) is excited to announce the Call for Entries for its 20th edition, scheduled for 2024. With a rich history of showcasing cutting-edge digital art and fostering creative innovation, ADAF invites artists, scientists, intellectuals, technologists, and creators from around the world to be part of this milestone celebration by submitting their proposals by January 2, 2024, at 2024.adaf.gr.

Established in 2005, ADAF has emerged as a platform for video art, gradually incorporating other forms of digital culture. Over the years, ADAF has evolved into a dynamic space for creators to explore the intersection of art and technology, always reflecting the ever-changing landscape of digital arts and embracing new artistic voices. Collaborating with creators and pioneers who experiment with various mediums and challenge their boundaries has been a privilege for ADAF, creating new realities through immersive experiences in each edition.

As the 2024 edition approaches, ADAF aims to celebrate its history while setting the pace for the future. The concept for the 20th Athens Digital Arts Festival is encapsulated in the title “Techno(s)cene.” Inspired by the terms technocene and technoscience, the Techno(s)cene reflects on how technology has become a neo-environment—a pivotal force that permeates our lives, perceptions, and creative expressions. Simultaneously, it highlights the transformative power of technology and science. The Techno(s)cene explores the various aspects and alternatives—dystopic or utopic—of these fields through the perspectives and imaginaries of the artists.  For ADAF, the Techno(s)cene is a celebration of the digital culture scene itself—the people who participate as creators or spectators within its realms, making the festival a dynamic platform.

Entering this monumental year, ADAF invites creators from diverse fields and communities who challenge conventions, reclaim their narratives and ignite collective imagination to be part of this unique edition. To contribute to the multidimensional spectrum of The Techno(s)cene, submit your proposals by January 2, 2024, at 2024.adaf.gr, under the respective categories: Video Art, Animation, Digital Image, Installation, Web Art, Games, VR/AR/XR, Talks, Workshops, Kids, Performance, and Music.

All applications will be considered for inclusion in the 20th edition, both physical and online, which will take place in Spring and Fall 2024, respectively. Shortlisted artists will be notified regarding the status of their application and details about the possible presentation of their work in either or both festival versions.

For more information, visit adaf.gr

ADAF on Tour 2023

In the framework of our summer-autumn parallel projects, is with  great pleasure we are announcing once more our ADAF on Tour  this time for the year 2023

We will be offering Open Air screenings in strategic locations outside the city of Athens, under the thematic #WelcomeToTheUncanny Screenings  with video artworks from the category of Animation.

With ADAF on tour we aim to showcase digital culture through a full artistic program to all audiences. Having already visited through the years  more than 21 locations in Greece, we aim in brining digital art and culture closer to the audiences of every city.

As for the thematic #WelcomeToTheUncanny Screenings 

What is signified today as Uncanny? How is it related to new technology, algorithms and augmented reality? What is causing this familiar yet  unsettling feeling? Can machines foresee our every movement? do we still have free will? How can we be sure what is true and what is a simulation?

We warmly invite you to our ADAF on tour Open Air Screenings:

25th of August | 21:00 | Nea Makri | central square

23rd of September | 19:30 | Rafina | central square

all adaf on tour events will be Free of charge for everyone

 

ADAF debriefing seminar about the results of Athens Digital Arts Festival from 2017-2022

This friday 28th July 2023 , ADAF will be presenting a LIVE Streaming, debriefing seminar, on ADAF online  platform, Live now section on www.online.adaf.gr.  The  seminar  which take place from 12:00- 16:30 will be about the activities and results of the festival through the years 2017-2022.

The presentation will contain audiovisual and photographic material  and will showcase the work and actions of the Festival through the aforementioned period. The seminar will be conducted by members of Multitrab productions, Curators and Organisers of Athens Digital Arts Festival as well as Artists and Personas that have contributed in every way to the materialisation of the events.

Seminar Program:

12:00-12:15          salutation

  • I. Chatzichristodoulou- E.Peristeraki |multitrab productions

12:15- 12:55         2017

  • I. Chatzichristodoulou- E.Peristeraki | multitrab productions
  • P. Csaba Lang| artist, curator, festival organiser
  • M. Anastasakos | artist

12:55-13:40          2018

  • I. Chatzichristodoulou- E.Peristeraki | multitrab productions
  • Ε. Olimpiou | curator
  • G.De Gobbo | artist, curator, festival organiser

13:40-14:20          2019

  • I. Chatzichristodoulou- E.Peristeraki | multitrab productions
  • Y.Kranidiotis | artist
  • S.Sotiriadi| artist
  • H.Machairas |artist, multitrab productions

14:20-15:00          2020

  • I. Chatzichristodoulou- E.Peristeraki | multitrab productions
  • Μ.Georgatzi- D.Arnellou |artist
  • T.Vallianatos|artist

15:00- 15:40         2021

  • I. Chatzichristodoulou- E.Peristeraki | multitrab productions
  • L.Messinezis |artist
  • Α.Niaka|artist
  • Μ.Markellou |research collaborator

15:40-16:20          2022

  • I. Chatzichristodoulou- E.Peristeraki | multitrab productions
  • A.Floros | universtiry collaborator
  • F.Sakellariou |curator
  • A.Mavrofridi | artist

16:20-16:30          κλεισιμο

  • I. Chatzichristodoulou- E.Peristeraki | multitrab productions

ADAF OPEN AIR SCREENINGS at Varnava Square

 

Following the summer spirit of ADAF, and the tradition of Open Air screening in the city, we are inviting everyone on 23rd of June 2023  for some ADAF Open Air screenings involving music, animation and the Athenian neighborhood city scape. Inspired  by the European  Music Day, we will be screening the curated program Music Production meets animation enriched, from 20:00-22:00 for everyone to enjoy. Varnava Square in Pagrati will be transformed into an open air cinema, inspiring and inviting everyone to enjoy and partake in this special celebration. The event takes place in the context of the programme “Culture in the Neighbourhoods” of Athens Culture Net of the Municipality of Athens inspired by International and Universal Days.

Location: Varnava Square, Pagrati

Date: 23 June 2023

Opening time: 2o.00 – 22.00

Free entrance

ADAF 2023: Program

The Athens Digital Arts Festival 2023 invites you to an eerie experience where artificial intelligence has taken over the physical space and robots coexist alongside humans. Through a multi-prism program of installations, performances, and VR projects, as well as video art, animation, and special screenings, you will be transported to a world beyond the ordinary.

See the ADAF 2023 program here.

VENUES & OPENING HOURS
OMONOIA — Brown Lighthouse Athens (3 Marikas Kotopouli Str.)
FRI 12/05 – SUN 14/05 — 14:00 – 22:00

PANEPISTIMIO — Astor Cinema (28 Stadiou Str.)
FRI 12/05 — 20:00 – 00:00
SAT 13/05 & SUN 14/05 — 18:00 – 00:00

PANEPISTIMIO — Korai Arcade
FRI 12/05 – SUN 14/05 — 14:00 – 22:00

SYNTAGMA — Athinon Theater (8 Voukourestiou Str.)
FRI 12/05 – SUN 14/05 —14:30 – 22:00

ADAF ONLINE — online.adaf.gr
FRI 12/05 – SUN 14/05 — all-day

Athens Digital Arts Festival welcomes the uncanny from May 12 to 14 in the center of Athens

Athens Digital Arts Festival 2023

“Welcome to the Uncanny”

May 12–14

OMONOIA ⸺ PANEPISTIMIO ⸺ SYNTAGMA

The Athens Digital Arts Festival, Greece’s international digital arts festival, returns from May 12 to 14 to the center of Athens to highlight aspects of an uncanny world. Under the title “Welcome to the Uncanny”, ADAF 2023 (Preview Edition) invites the public for three days to experience Athens from a different perspective through a route that expands from Omonoia to Syntagma: from the Brown Lighthouse Athens hotel in Omonoia, the ASTOR cinema in Korai Square to the Athninon Theater in Syntagma.

ADAF 2023 “Welcome to the Uncanny” explores how the uncanny manifests today: How is it related to new technologies, algorithms, and augmented reality? What is it that provokes this familiar yet disturbingly strange feeling? Can machines predict our every move, or do we still possess free will? How can we be sure of what is real and what is simulation?

ADAF 2023 invites you to an eerie experience where artificial intelligence has taken over the physical space and robots coexist alongside humans. Through a multi-prism program of installations, performances, and VR projects, as well as video art and animation screenings, you will be transported to a world beyond the ordinary.

At the same time, the Athens Digital Arts Festival reactivates its digital “exhibition space” at online.adaf.gr featuring works of web art, digital image, 360° videos and video games to enhance the experience of the uncanny.

The detailed program will be announced soon. Stay connected at 2023.adaf.gr.

#ADAF2023#ADAFGreece

Event Awards 2022

The Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF), continues its successful course winning  five awards at this year’s Event Awards 2022!

The 7th edition EVENT AWARDS of Boussias Communications offered ADAF the opportunity to stand out by winning four significant distinctions for projects it implemented during 2022.  

Athens Digital Arts Festival received the following awards at the nomination of Event Awards 2022:  

Award: PLATINUM & GOLD | Category: Augmented / Virtual Reality Technology | Project: “culture path” | Participants: International Festival of Digital Arts in Greece, Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) / Μinistry of Culture and Sports / Ηellenic Foundation for Culture

 

The Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) created Culture Path, an AR&VR pavillion experience for the Ministry of Culture and Sports

Culture path has been presented till today at:

  • 85th Thessaloniki international trade fair | 11 Sept 2021 – 19 Sept 2021 (country of honour, Greece)
  • 53rd Cairo International Book Fair |26 Jan 2022 – 7 Feb  2022 (country of honour, Greece)
  • Expo 2020 Dubai | 1 Οct  2021 – 31 Mar 2022 (National Greek Pavillion)
  • International Airport of Athens Eleftherios Venizelos- exhibition hall “art & environment” departures level ( entrance 3) | 15 Sept 2022-19 Apr 2023

 

Culture path was created in September 2021 for the pavilion of the Ministry of Culture and Sports at the 85th Thessaloniki international trade fair and later  visited Cairo for the 53rd international book fair – Greek pavilion where Greece was also the country of honour. Following its successful tour, it visited  Dubai and the national pavilion in the framework of EXPO DUBAI 2020, while it is now exhibited in the International Airport of Athens “Eleftherios Venizelos”

 

In such activities , the use of technology is achieving the most impressive presentation of  content to the viewers, offering a new light to the Greek cultural product. This way we have accomplishing best dissemination and promotion of Greece abroad while strengthening its attraction to tourists.

An interactive pavilion, a path of culture, which with the facilitation of AR & VR technology,  the Greek Cultural Heritage is “meeting” and “dialoguing” with works of modern and contemporary creation. Culture Path is prompting and creating a dialogue between the past and the present gazing towards the future. An educational proposal- reason for a dialogue that exploits the borders of art and culture  widening the spectrum of imagination and calling for a future visit to the premises of the museums.

Award: GOLD | Category: Festival | Project: “17th Athens Digital Arts Festival – “Tāctus” | Participants: The International Festival of Digital Arts in Greece, Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) / Μinistry of Culture and Sports – Museum of Modern Greek Culture / City of Athens – OPANDA – Technopolis City of Athens / Region of Attica

Athens Digital Arts Festival has opened its doors the the Museum of Modern Greek Culture at the historic centre of Athens

The buildings and outdoors spaces that are hiding inside the building block belonging to the Museum, have been unveiled to the public, hosting  works of digital technology. For the ADAF event spaces, we have utilised as well the extra spaces of the museum in the area of Plaka, like the Tzisdarakis Mosque and the Bathhouse of the Winds among others.

Interactive installations, video art works, animation & web art, extending reality experiences in the AR & VR sphere, performances, talks and workshops, composed the content of this impressive program that counted thousands of Greek and foreign participants. The activities of the festival occupied the proximate area of the museum in the city centre, as well as small roads in the so called “Athenian Merchant Triangle”.

Award: SILVER |Category: AV Technology / Design | Project: “3D Projection Mapping Show – Greek -Parliament” | Participants:  The International  Festival of Digital Arts in Greece, Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) / City of Athens – ΟPANDA – Technopolis City of Athens/ Greek Parliament
One more 3D Mapping Show  from Athens Digital Arts Festival. A Christmas spectacle 3D projection mapping for kids and adults specially curated from the international festival of digital arts in Greece, Athens Digital Arts Festival.  Between  28 – 30 of December 2021 the west facade of the Greek Parliament transformed into a Christmas celebratory tale with Santa Claus, his Elves and Nutcrackers that animated complementing the architectural characteristics of the building. For yet another year, ADAF painted and illuminated the Parliament of Greece with a 3D Projection Mapping Show transferring thus the Christmas Spirit and wishes for the new year to the whole city and country. A celebratory and unique event that took place both physically and in live broadcasting both on television and the internet (social &  web pages), offering to the audience the opportunity to follow it despite their position on the worldwide map.
 
Award: Bronze | Category: Cultural Event | Work:”From Where I Stand” |Participants: The International Festival of Digital Arts in Greece, Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF)/ Municipal Art Gallery of Larissa G.I. Katsigras Museum

Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) in collaboration with the Municipal Art Gallery of Larissa G.I. Katsigras Museum, presented “From Where I Stand,” the first digital art exhibition to take place in Larissa. 114 artworks from the whole spectrum of digital arts emphasising in interaction and cutting edge technology, travelled to Larissa, offering the opportunity to the audience to meet digital art and its capabilities through a program of outstanding aesthetics. The event entertained grand visibility while the artworks enchanted the local audience.  The visitors came in contact with AR and VR works,  Web art works, Immersive works, Interactive works, Video games, 3D Mapping Projections, as well as Digital images, Video art and Animations by greek and international artists as well as local artists from the city of Larissa. Additionally the local community sharing the works and their experience through their social media, created significant experience visibility making Larissa a mention worthy point on the map of the contemporary cultural creativity.

Open Air Screenings at the square of Agios Dimitrios in Ampelokipi

The “ADAF Open Air Screenings” returns in the context of the programme “Culture in Neighborhoods” by the Athens Culture Net of the Municipality of Athens.

On November 04, the square of Agios Dimitrios in Ampelokipi will be transformed into a large, open, cinematic event, with Animation and Video Art works by artists of the international digital art scene, aiming to impress children and adults.

We invite residents and visitors to a night of screenings – Open Air Screenings – with free admission.

Location: Agios Dimitrios Square, Ampelokipi

Date: 04/11/2022

Opening time: 19.30- 21.30

Free entrance

Innovative Workshops using Digital Technology

Children’s Museum of Thessaloniki , under the sponsorship and auspice of the Ministry of Culture and Sports is organizing a series of activities for children, utilising digital mediums and tech tools.

Two days of innovative workshops aiming towards children’s contact and familiarization with the merge of art and technology, is taking place in collaboration with the International Festival of Digital Arts of Greece, Athens Digital Arts Festival and the educational program OPEN ART of Ionian University, adding up to the mosaic of expression play and education. Digital tools and technologies such as microprocessors, sensors and the secrets of animated image will create a unique experience of artistic expression, creation and education.

Taking under consideration the value and importance of digital technology in education, entertainment and contemporary everyday life, the creative and interactive two days workshops will help children discover new places and ways of expression. Tutors from the digital arts field will present contemporary practices in the meet point of art and technology, actively improving the knowledge level of every child on tech and art matters.

The Art and Technology workshops will take place on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th of November 2022 and are designed for children from 4 to 13 years, as well as are applicable for sectors and institutions for  children hospitality.

PROGRAM:

Friday 04/11/2022

Making my first animation– Animation workshop

Instructor: Ilias Chatzichristodoulou, Founder and Director Athens Digital Arts Festival

Age: 4-8 yrs – Duration: 50 min

4 workshops delivered ( 15 seats each) at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30

Participation cost:3 euro 

 

Banana Party – experiential robotics workshops for children

Instructor: Angelos Floros, Assistant Professor, Department of Audio & Visual Arts – Ionian University
Scientific Responsible OPEN ART

Age :8-12 yrs – Duration : 60 min

3 workshops delivered ( 10 seats each) at 17:00, 18:00, 19:00

Participation cost:5 euro 

 

Saturday 05/11/2022

Live Painting with Light- workshop for creating animated neon paintings.

Instructor: Ilias Chatzichristodoulou, Founder and Director Athens Digital Arts Festival

Age:5-8 yrs – Duration :45 mins

4 workshops delivered (15 seats each) at10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00

Participation cost : 4 euro

 

Furry Robots– Experiential robotics workshop for kids

Instructor: Angelos Floros, Assistant Professor, Department of Audio & Visual Arts – Ionian University
Scientific Responsible OPEN ART

Age: 11-13 yrs – Duration: 60 mins

3 workshops delivered (10 seats each) at  17:00, 18:00, 19:00

Participation cost :  5 euro

During the aforementioned workshops there will be animation compilations screenings for kids. The specially curated animation artworks are coming from exceptional international festivals and are highlighting values such as family, friendship, environmental consciousness through fun and interesting stories.