Beta is a new festival of art and technology critically engaging with the impact of emerging technologies on society. Led by curator and creative producer Aisling Murray, it will showcase and celebrate our research and artistic communities through a combination of creativity, debate and experimentation. Beta will allow members of the public to engage playfully and critically with new technologies essentially beta testing ethical issues facing society.
Acclaimed artists to participate in this year’s festival including Libby Heaney, Leon Butler and Peter Power.
Two unique works have been commissioned to support the launch of Beta. Artist Leon Butler has imagined what the identity of a festival of art and technology could be and has generated a new font seen in the Beta logo. The final logo almost looks hand drawn or screen printed with beautifully imperfect edges – this intersection of cutting-edge technology and human creativity is exactly what Beta will explore with the festival.
Beta’s website features a new commission from artist and designer Farouk Alao. Specialising in 3D motion and web design, he has drawn inspiration from nature, his world, and human emotions. His vision explores the intersection of reality and imagination. The motion piece on Beta’s website, called the Beta cube, positions Beta as a centre point in which art, technology and creativity resolve and makes use of the unique font designed by Butler.
You can view the events and exhibition which form part of Beta. The festival will take place November 2 – 5 with the opening night taking place at Roe & Co Distillery. The exhibition that opens as part of it continues in The Digital Hub and the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) for a further two weeks until November 19th.
