Beta Festival to Return 1st- 17th November

Beta, Ireland’s art and technology festival, will return for its second year in the first two weeks of November.

Co-founded and supported by The Digital Hub, Beta will host a series of events including exhibitions, keynote speakers, interactive workshops and an assembly centred on artificial intelligence in Dublin 8 and beyond.

The 2024 edition of Beta will explore critical themes around the relationship between technology and power including facial recognition technologies, the impact of AI on artists, untold histories and elevating empathy through creative technologies.

The festival’s thematic exhibition, curated by Beta co-founder and director Aisling Murray and curator and researcher Nóra O’Murchú, features international and Irish artists, whose work will explore how technology can become a tool to resist hegemonic political orders and open new avenues for resistance.

In addition to the thematic exhibition, a second exhibition – Local Artists Network - will spotlight newly commissioned work by Irish artists including Aisling Phelan and Cailean Finn, among others.

Beta will aim to evoke important discussions on topical areas at the intersection of art and technology, with Kay Watson, Head of Arts Technologies at the Serpentine Gallery in London scheduled to deliver a thought-provoking keynote speech at this year’s festival.

ADAPT Research Centre will return as the research partner for Beta with their collaborative interactive Ethics Studio curated with Paul O’Neill, a dedicated exhibit space for visitors, researchers, and artists to meet and explore our relationship with AI using creative methods and interactions.

This year, Beta will offer specific activities as part of the official Science Week programme, including a Digital Democracy Lab with KT4D (Knowledge Technologies for Democracy) developed by project partner DemSoc, as well as workshops with ADAPT Research Centre and Better Images of AI.

The Digital Hub and Aisling Murray are being supported in its preparations for Beta by Science Week, Ambassade de France en Irlande and Institut Francais, The Arts Council, British Council, ADAPT Research Centre, European Media Art Platform (EMAP), Creative Futures Academy, Project Arts Centre, Pallas Projects, NCAD Gallery and IMMA.

Visit their website for more information: www.beta.ie