HoloLabs

How can digital technologies be used to create sustainable and innovative places of experience for a diverse audience? What formats, methods and tools are suitable for connecting the physical and digital world in a convincing way? What new forms of artistic practice, education and participation emerge where the digital and analogue converge? And how can we imagine digitality, art, culture and climate responsibility as sum parts of a whole?

The dive in programme supports forward-thinking cultural organisations with developing innovative educational programmes which explore new forms of digital interaction and participation. In order to provide ongoing expertise to the funded institutions and promote mutual dialogue, the German Federal Cultural Foundation is organising digital summits: the HoloLabs. In three events scheduled in autumn 2021, the HoloLabs will introduce the programme to interested members of the public and initiate dialogue on current issues and trends related to digital art and education.

In our digital HoloLabs library (external link, opens in a new window) we gather interesting contributions about the speakers and projects as well as video recordings of keynotes and input talks. All participants and interested persons are welcome to fill the library with related content.

New Financial Models + Climate Change and Digitality

3 and 4 November 2021

The digitalisation of art and culture has generated new forms of monetisation. Artists are increasingly using digital payment models, while newer technologies are changing conventional financing methods in the cultural and artistic sector. However, the environmental effects of this digital infrastructure are immense. Crypto art transactions consume enormous amounts of energy and expanding streaming services are significantly increasing CO₂ emissions. In HoloLab #3 we will discuss new financial models, examine various trends in digital culture and analyse them in terms of sustainability.

New Forms of Participation and Interaction

13 and 14 October 2021

Digital spaces offer new opportunities for cultural education and artistic production, allowing for direct interaction with and between audience members. Artists can integrate this interaction into their concepts and offer audience members the chance to shape the performance/work themselves. The result is more personalised experiences which take audience’s diverse backgrounds into account. In HoloLab #2 we will focus on new forms of interaction and participation, work together on formats for engaging the audience in a more playful way, and develop strategic steps for achieving project-related goals. In our programme booklet (PDF) (opens in a new window) you will find an overview of the scheduled events.

New Forms of Artistic Production

22 and 23 September 2021

In addition to introducing audience members to the 68 funded projects in the dive in programme, HoloLab #1 on 22-23 September will focus on forms of artistic production and the shifting role of artists and cultural producers. Keynotes, input talks, workshops and best-practice examples by programme participants and international experts will invite the public to join the discussion on current developments and to collaborate on new ideas, reflect on goals and challenges, and develop strategic steps toward achieving those goals.
The program to HoloLab #1 (PDF) (opens in a new window)

HoloLabs is a series of events organized by the German Federal Cultural Foundation, co-curated with ROSY DX (external link, opens in a new window) and hosted with the support of hahnlive (external link, opens in a new window).