The 18th International Festival for Digital Arts in Greece Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) invites the artistic, technological, scientific -and not only- world to submit their proposals for its hybrid (online and physical) edition.

Due to popular demand, we are extending the deadline  for  ADAF 2022  till the 15th of March 2022.

Titled “FutuRetro” the festival calls us to see the future through the eyes of the past and the past through the eyes of the future.

Exploring the relationship of the past and the future and by interacting with the state-of-the-art technology and science our festival returns with its second hybrid edition.

Official Dates of the HYBRID FESTIVAL (PHYSICAL & ONLINE) TBA.
PHYSICAL @ HISTORIC CENTER OF ATHENS: MAY 2022
ONLINE @ ONLINE.ADAF.GR: AUTUMN 2022
The festival attracts and presents works by artists from all over the world in 12 categories.

Connect with us at the 18th Athens Digital Arts Festival | FutuRetro 

EXTENDED DEADLINE: 15.03.2022 | SUBMISSIONS: 2022.ADAF.GR

*/ 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…”

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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

January 27th has been declared the International Holocaust Remembrance Day to honor the souls lost in the horrors of World War II.

Every year, on this day, the Central Holocaust Remembrance Event is held in Auschwitz, part of which is the display of photographs from memorial actions around the world, so that no one will ever forget. Buildings around the world are illuminated giving the present to this chain of memorial effort.

The present was also given in Greece with the illumination of the City Hall in Kotzia Square by the Municipality of Athens, in collaboration with the Central Israeli Council of Greece, as a sign of support and participation in this symbolic project.

The production was undertaken by the Athens Digital Arts Festival.

#WeRemember #HolocaustRemembranceDay
#NeverAgain

Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) participates with the “Culture Path” augmented reality project in the 53rd Cairo International Book Fair in the Greek pavilion of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture and the Ministry of Culture and Sports. During the Exhibition, ADAF’s AR installation, through the Greek pavilion, will entice visitors to a unique AR experience, bringing the scent of Greece to Egypt.

Culture Path is an interactive route of culture,  where technology of augmented reality (AR), facilitates the intersection of cultural heritage of Greece with modern and contemporary creation. Through this small path in the Greek pavilion, and through AR technology the visitor has the ability to have a stroll through milestones and less known works of art, coming from museums all over the country.  The borders of the imagination are expanding and the Greek Pavilion of the Cairo International Book Fair invites us to a discussion – motive for a future visit to the museums of Greece.

The exhibition will take place from January 26 to February 7 at the International Exhibition Center of Egypt, with Greece, being a Guest of Honour, bringing along famous publishers and literature works. Cairo International Book Fair is one of the most important events of the Arab world, having welcomed more than two million visitors. The exhibition aims to expand Egypt’s touch with the Greek cultural heritage – and in particular with the Greek literature – thus extending the interpersonal relations of the two states.

 

For another consecutive year, Athens Digital Arts Festival, the International Digital Arts Festival of Greece, painted and illuminated the country with four 3D Projection Mapping Shows, thus spreading the message of Christmas and the best wishes for the new year. Specifically, the four points that were illuminated are the Greek Parliament, the Municipality of Athens, the Municipal Theater of Piraeus and the Municipality of Alexandroupolis.

 

Greek Parliament

The western facade of the Greek Parliament was transformed into a Christmas fairytale, with Santa Claus, Elves and Nutcrackers coming to life alongside the architectural elements of the building.

28 – 30 December 2021

 

Municipality of Athens – The Night of Wishes

On Christmas day, Kotzia Square was filled with the traditional lanterns of the “Night of Wishes” and with the bright interactive musical nutcrackers, enriching the festive decoration of the ice rink.

December 24, 2021

 

Piraeus Municipal Theater

The spirit of Christmas “came to life” at the Municipal Theater of Piraeus. The emblematic building of the city was flooded with festive colors, magical images and a Christmas atmosphere.

23 – 24 December 2021

 

Municipality of Alexandroupolis 

Impressive lighting, multidimensional geometries that highlight the architectural aspect of the Munincipality, Christmas motifs, wishes and festive performances compose the ideal setting for Christmas 2021 in Alexandroupolis.

29 – 30 December 2021

 

The Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) once again collaborates with OPEN ART, a program which offers artistic practice in the fields of art, technology, science and society in the form of free seminars. The third edition aims to approach the fields of Sounscapes (Landscape sounds), Electoracoustic Music and Sound Installations with research and creativity.  

The program consists of two courses taking place over a ten (10) week period : the first course “The Art of Listening” by Giorgis Sakellariou and the second course “Art In The Information Era”  by Aggelos Florou, head of science at OPEN ART. This series of lectures and workshops will analyze landscape sounds through environmental recordings, not only as an object of research but as a framework for dialogue and reflection, and a tool for creative practices. 

The OPEN ART program is implemented within the framework of Artist Lab, an institution of OPEN ART that enables renowned and established professionals from the fields of art and technology to design and teach a selected subject on an annual basis. 

The first and second editions have been completed with guests Marianthi Tzislaki-Kotsanou, in the field of Interactive Media & Performance in Public Space and Anna Vasof in the field of Transmedia Art. This year ‘s guest is George Sakellariou, a musician, researcher and academic of Electroacoustic Music who lives and works in Lithuania.

 

A few words about Giorgis Sakellariou 

Georgis Sakellariou is a composer of experimental and electroacoustic music. Since 2003, he has been internationally active through the release of personal albums, collective works and composing music for short films and theatrical performances. He also leads workshops and performs his music live around the world. 

His practice focuses on the communal experience of listening and the communication between composer, audiences, performance spaces and the rest of the physical and supernatural world. He only performs in absolute darkness, fostering an all-inclusive and profoundly submerging sonic experience.

The Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) in collaboration with the Municipal Art Gallery of Larissa G.I. Katsigras Museum, present “From Where I Stand,” the first digital art exhibition to take place in Larissa. 

The exhibition will take place from December 10th – 12th 2021 in the foyer of the Medical School of Larissa’s building (ex Katsigra Clinic), located in the heart of the city at Tahidromiou Square, at the Municipal Art Gallery of Larissa G.I. Katsigras Museum as well as in central public spaces.  The exhibition and its rich program aim to connect digital arts with the public of Larissa and to promote artistic expression through innovation, while highlighting the digital artistic community of the city. 

“From Where I Stand” will host 114 artworks by Greek and International artists from all categories of digital arts: Digital Installations, Video Art, Animation, Games, 3D, Virtual & Augmented reality, 3D Mapping etc and will also host a series of screenings, educational workshops and talks for all ages.  The exhibition honors this unique region of Greece with a special tribute that will showcase the work of 14 artists from Larissa. 

The Medical School of Larissa will host digital artwork ranging from Installations, VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality), Web Art and Games in the foyer of its building located on Tachidromiou Square and a unique projection by artist Giannis Kranidiotis will take place on the facade of the building. This commissioned work depicts and pays tribute to the famous artwork of A. Tassou “Marinos Antipas – Kileler 1910” from the permanent collection of the G.I. Katsigras Museum, in an extraordinary way.  Tahidromiou Square will also feature “Pymar,” an interactive and immersive installation by Kranidiotis.  

The Municipal Art Gallery of Larissa G.I. Katsigras Museum will exhibit artwork from all categories by local and international artists as well as Video Art and Animation screenings.  A series of 8 talks will take place on both days and 2 workshops, including the workshop “animate your star” specially designed for kids. 

The Municipal Art Gallery of Larissa G.I. Katsigras Museum is a cultural organization promoting fine arts on a national level. It was founded in1983 after the late doctor and collector Giorgios I. Katsigras donated his private collection to the Municipality of Larissa in 1981. 

The Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) is an organization that represents Greece internationally in Digital Arts and is a prime meeting point of all forms and trends of modern digital culture. It aims to highlight the multiple ways in which art communicates with technology as well as the impact of this relationship on modern life in an urban environment. ADAF further aims to enhance the public audience’s contact and awareness of new media and digital culture. 

 

 

Click here to see the full program.

The program is organized and funded under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports and Culture.

The Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) continues its collaboration with the Athens International Airport and invites its passengers to experience the unique digital art exhibition “IMAGINAIRY”, from 15.11.2021 to 31.5.2022. 

The exhibition, a compilation of high-aesthetic works by artists of the new digital age, screened on specially designed installations, highlights the new “metaverse era” through a panorama of 43 video and animation artworks by local and international artists. The works are inspired by the following themes: Future, Mankind, City, Travel, Destination, Nature and Expression. 

“IMAGINAIRY” is an invitation to a journey through imagination, aiming to enhance the visitor’s travel experience within a heterotopic space of transition: the airport. Through the screenings of the unique artworks, the traveler experiences contemporary art through a mental journey to unexpected and undefined destinations. 

The exhibition is on display accessible at the:  

• Arrivals, Extra-Schengen Baggage Reclaim Hall – Reclaim Belt 1
• Arrivals, Schengen Baggage Reclaim Hall – Reclaim Belt 12

The Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF) received 4 awards at the Lighting Awards 2022 by Boussias Communications, an award ceremony where design meets art and science and where Greek Lighting Designers are awarded for their inspiration, their creativity and innovation. 

The nominations were evaluated by a highly specialized jury consisting of renowned Greek architects and professionals in the field of lighting as well as academics from Greece’s leading universities. 

Specifically, ADAF received two GOLD awards in the categories Culture and Lighting Design for Events. In the Culture category it was awarded for the 16th Athens Digital Arts Festival “Lets Get Phygital – Light Festival” which took place in the historical city center of Athens in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens and OPANDA. In the category Lighting Design for Events, the GOLD was received for the “Light Installations” project for the Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos. 

ADAF received a SILVER Award in the category Projection Mapping for its 3D Projection Mapping “200 Years from the Greek Revolution” on the façade of the Greek Parliament and a BRONZE award in the Public Category for the Interactive Lighting Sign “I Love Piraeus” for the Municipality of Piraeus. 

The Athens Digital Arts Festival (ADAF), continues its successful course and wins four awards at the  Event Awards 2021! 

The 6th Event Awards of Boussias Communications offered ADAF the opportunity to stand out through four significant distinctions for the projects it implemented in in the unprecedented year of 2021.  

At a time where human contact and our relationship with public space is being reevaluated, digital art  offered us the opportunity to live unique experiences and to shift our perception of art and the public space. ADAF evolved organically and quickly adapted to the unprecedented conditions that were created by the pandemic and through its specially designed projects, was able to offer original experiences to its audience when almost everything around us seemed to freeze in time.  

The Athens Digital Arts Festival received the following awards at the Event Awards 2021.  

1 GOLD | Category: Best Pivot from Physical to Virtual | Project: ADAF ONLINE  

ADAF ONLINE (online.adaf.gr) was the natural, digital evolution of the physical festival. It was the first Digital Art Online Streaming Festival, which offered daily special experiences and world premieres to its audience. Through its specially designed platform, it hosted artwork of Greek and International artists on demand and live streaming for three consecutive months. 

2 GOLD | Categories: Special Events / Broadcasting & Video & Graphics | Project: 3D Projection Mapping on the Hellenic Parliament for the project “1821-2021, 200 Years from the Greek Revolution” 

This project reflected our history’s memory where the past and present were fused together through the projection of the Greek Revolution’s heroes, on the face of the Greek Parliament.  

1 BRONZE | Category: Cultural Event | Project: “Let’s Get Phygital” 

“Let’s Get Phygital” was the first interactive phygital exhibition held in the heart of the city, highlighting its natural and urban landscapes through digital art. The event highlighted technology in a contactless interaction era (Covid-Free) and was also the first event where the public could enjoy the event through a 3D Virtual Tour.  

We are delighted and honored to receive these awards and as Erini Toli, the President of the Evaluation Committee stated in her speech “ It is a special moment for us to be meeting in person again to celebrate the event industry. It is always important to honor the people who are active and distinguished in the industry. We experienced upheavals, but we adapted and evolved. We found new solutions, we utilized technological tools and remained strong through our creative flame”.