What it’s about

Tech Art Fest is a brand-new festival bringing together artists, creative technologists and performers to exhibit artwork, host talks, and run workshops. Celebrate the launch of the first-ever Tech Art Fest at the opening of the Future Arts Exhibition, followed by the Music Generator night of algorithmic, visual, and interactive musical performances. Explore immersive artworks, meet the artists, enjoy live music, grab a drink and discover the future of art. 

Tech Art Fest continues over the weekend with a programme of artist demos, workshops, talks, and networking events. In partnership with Creative Tech Basildon and supported by Metal Culture and Essex Arts and Cultural Fund.

What to expect

Celebrate the start of Tech Art Fest at the vibrant launch party, where creativity meets innovation. Explore interactive installations, connect with the artists shaping the future of tech-art, and enjoy dynamic live performances that merge music and cutting-edge technology. With drinks and conversations flowing, this is your chance to experience the energy and inspiration that define the festival.

Schedule

17:00 - 18:00 Future Arts: Exhibition private view

A group exhibition exploring the intersection of technology and art. Experience robotic arms, AR musical mannequins, electronic textiles, and projects that question the role of AI. Interact with works promoting accessibility, reflecting on 1990s rave culture, and delving into queer ecologies. Become a digital avatar or use an electronic watering can to illuminate growing vines.

18:00 - 19:00 Thunkist: Interactive AV performance

Grab a digital wand and shape the experience! Creative technologist Simon East performs a dynamic ambient-to-dub techno set, where audience movements control sound and visuals through his custom Flowfal technology.

19:30 - 20:30 Echo of the Mixer: Live-coded music set

Artist Zhanlan Wang explores deep bass and wet, reverberant sounds to create an immersive, evolving soundscape that mirrors the interplay of moisture, resonance, and physical space. Using Hydra and TidalCycles real-time audience interaction shapes the performance, blending sound and visuals into a dynamic, living environment.

21:00 - 22:00 Hellocatfood: Live-coded music set

Antonio Roberts is a Birmingham-based musician and visual artist. Working primarily with TidalCycles, Pure Data and VCV Rack, he employs algorithmic methods to make music that is both rhythmic and glitchy. Since 2019 he has been building a reputation for his live performances, fusing genres ranging from ambient, footwork and IDM to drum and bass.