We’re delighted to announce AR co-directors Marita Muukkonen and Ivor Stodolsky will speak at the upcoming Ars Electronica Festival on Friday 5 September.
Joining the panel “Art in the Age of Panic Politics”, Marita and Ivor will present AR’s work at the intersection of human rights and the arts, within the context of this year’s conference theme “PANIC yes/no”.
Alongside fellow speakers Simon Weckert – digital artist and social critic; Barkindji composer and singer-songwriter Nancy Bates; and art historian and curator Sergio Fontanella, the discussion will examine the limitations of the paradigm in which socially and politically engaged artists currently find themselves – unpacking the possibilities of escaping the logic of viral media that invite panic politics and of creating alternative political narratives through artistic practice.
The Ars Electronica Festival programme, taking place from 3–7 September, brings together artists, scientists and creators from all over the world to discuss current issues relating to the international media art scene and how art can help us cope with these turbulent times.
In addition, the festival offers an outlook of the existential threats facing many artists today through the State of the ART(ist) awards. Since its founding in 2022, our AR co-directors have been members of the awards jury. The 2025 winning projects show us how art is an expression of resistance, hope, and survival.
We are furthermore delighted to share that AR-Alumnus Issa Touma received one of two Awards of Distinction, and future AR-resident and Palestinian writer Marwa Abu Raida also received an honorable mention. We look forward to celebrating with them and the other winners at the upcoming event!
For more information and event programmes, please visit the Ars Electronica Festival website.
We look forward to taking part in this year’s Ars Electronica Festival and hope to see you there!
