Ars Electronica

Ars Electronica Linz GmbH is an Austrian hub for culture, education, and science, founded in Linz in 1979. Renowned for its emphasis on new media art, the organization operates from the Ars Electronica Center, which also houses the Museum of the Future. Their primary objective is to explore the intersections of art, technology, and society. They host an annual festival and run the Futurelab, a multidisciplinary media arts research and development facility. Additionally, they administer the esteemed Prix Ars Electronica awards.

The story of Ars Electronica began with its inaugural festival in 1979, thanks to founders Hannes Leopoldseder, Hubert Bognermayr, Herbert W. Franke, and Ulrich Rützel. Initially held biennially, the festival became an annual event in 1986. The Prix Ars Electronica awards were established in 1987 and have been presented every year since. Ars Electronica Linz GmbH was incorporated as a limited company in 1995, and the Ars Electronica Center along with the Futurelab opened their doors in 1996. Both underwent renovations in 2009.

Funding for Ars Electronica comes from the City of Linz, the Province of Upper Austria, the Republic of Austria, and various private partners. The organization is currently led by Artistic Director Gerfried Stocker and Financial Director Diethard Schwarzmair.

The annual Ars Electronica festival serves as a confluence for artists, scientists, and technologists to come together and innovate. Held in Linz, the festival features large-scale projects, lectures, discussions, and workshops, all centered around a specific theme each year. This event attracts participants and visitors from around the world.

The Prix Ars Electronica is a highly prestigious annual award that celebrates creativity and innovation in digital media. Categories include Computer Animation/Film/VFX, Interactive Art, Digital Music & Sound Art, and more. The top prize, the Golden Nica, is a major accolade in the digital art world. Notable past winners include Pixar’s "Luxo Jr." and Wikipedia.

The Ars Electronica Center, also known as the Museum of the Future, is a cutting-edge space located by the Danube in Linz. It features exhibitions on life sciences, environmental issues, and forthcoming technological advancements. The center also hosts events, conferences, workshops, and research activities.

Located within the Ars Electronica Center, the Futurelab is a hub for multidisciplinary research and development in cyberarts technologies. It collaborates with artists, researchers, universities, and private sector partners to create innovative projects and content.