We spent about a week in Linz for Ars Electronica, and it turned out to be an intense but really rewarding experience. The festival was packed with works that connected science, art, and technology in ways that were sometimes playful, sometimes serious, but always thought-provoking.
Walking through the exhibitions, we kept running into projects that pushed us to think differently about everyday things — from how technology changes human behavior to how art can open new perspectives on research. There was a lot to take in, and at times it felt overwhelming, but in a good way. The variety of works made it impossible to see everything, yet that was part of the charm: you never knew what was waiting around the next corner.
What stood out just as much as the artworks were the conversations we had throughout the week. We met so many people — artists, curators, scientists, students — and each exchange added a new layer to the experience. Sometimes it was a short chat over coffee, sometimes a long discussion after a panel, but in all cases it felt like we were part of a community that is genuinely curious and open. Those connections already feel like seeds for future collaborations, or at the very least, friendships that will continue beyond the festival.
Linz itself added to the atmosphere. The festival spread across different locations, and moving between them gave us small breaks to take in the city. Sitting by the river in the evening, after a full day of installations and talks, became its own ritual — a way to process everything we had seen and heard.
By the end of the week, we were both tired and energized. Ars Electronica left us with new impressions, a lot of inspiration, and a sense that the conversations we started there will continue long after the festival. It’s rare to find a place where science, art, and technology come together so naturally, and we came back with both ideas and people we know will shape our work in the future.
