What if?: Perspectives on Envisioning the Future
September 27–29, 2024
3D Virtual Workroom (ACC Creation B4)
Complex Studio (ACC Creation B4)
Theater 1
Gwangju 61485
South Korea
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10am–6pm
Venues: Theater 1, Theater 3, Complex Studio (ACC Creation B4)
The ACT Festival, an acronym for Art & Creative Technology, has been at the forefront of merging art and technology since its inception in 2015. From the very beginning, the festival has captured international attention and gained global recognition. Now in its ninth edition, ACT Festival 2024 promises to be the most ambitious yet, featuring 16 teams from 15 countries, each bringing their unique perspective to this year’s theme: "What If?: Perspectives on Envisioning the Future.“
The theme of ACT Festival 2024 draws inspiration from Isaac Asimov’s 1952 short story What If... This narrative delves into the exploration of paths not taken, as the protagonist uses technology to imagine the outcomes of different life choices. The theme resonates deeply in today’s world, where technology constantly reshapes our reality. It reflects our struggles with uncertainty and our aspirations for the future.
In 2024, ACT Festival expands on this concept, using art as a medium to explore the relationship between our anxieties about the future and our hopes for technological progress. The festival provides a platform for artists to engage with these themes, offering audiences an immersive experience that challenges perceptions and encourages the imagination of new possibilities.
This year’s lineup is truly extraordinary. One of the highlights is Ryoji Ikeda’s ultratronics [live set], which presents a sensory journey combining digital precision with overwhelming auditory experiences. Ikeda’s work explores the intersection of sound, data, and space, pushing the boundaries of perception.
Another notable feature is NOIRE (Colored), winner of the Best Immersive Experience Award at the Cannes Film Festival. This work uses XR immersive technology to explore identity, memory, and history, offering a profound reflection on how we reconstruct the past in the digital age.
Film and contemporary art enthusiasts will also have the chance to view six films by Indonesian director Riar Rizaldi, whose work has been spotlighted by MoMA and many other world-renowned institutions, for its unique storytelling and visual aesthetics. Rizaldi’s films, rich with philosophical inquiries and stunning visuals, align perfectly with this year’s theme.
The festival also includes a lecture by physicist Kim Sang-wook, renowned for his engaging explanations of complex scientific concepts. His lecture will bridge the gap between science and art, offering insights into how physics shapes our understanding of the future.
Additionally, eight teams of artists from the ACC Creators International Residency Program will present works under the theme “AI∙Human∙Multiverse,” exploring the intersections between artificial intelligence, human experience, and multiple universes, expanding the boundaries of artistic expression and technological integration.
The Korean debut of the Russian duo 404.zero’s audiovisual concert ISOTRP is another highlight, offering an intense experience of light and sound, merging technology with emotion to create an immersive, introspective atmosphere.
Audiences can also look forward to the innovative sound art and compelling messages from artists PISITAKUN and NEO GEODESIA, hailing from Thailand and Cambodia. These artists offer fresh perspectives on the future through their unique cultural lenses. Additionally, the collaboration between Akiko Nakayama and Kaito (a.k.a. Hiroshi Watanabe) will present a mesmerizing fusion of visual imagery and improvisational sound.
ACT Festival 2024 is more than just an event; it is a convergence of ideas, cultures, and visions, providing the world with an opportunity to reflect on the future together. Whether you are an artist, a technologist, or simply someone curious about what the future holds, ACT Festival 2024 offers a chance to engage with the forefront of creativity and innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a global conversation on the future of humanity.
Please visit the ACC website for the full program and reservations for the ACT Festival 2024.
