Dubai:The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has unveiled the artistic program for the 31st International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art (ISEA2026), which is being hosted in Dubai until November 15 under the theme 'ELYAH Constellating Place, Data and Identity'. The program features over 100 artistic showcases across more than 20 locations, including digital installations, performances, and interactive experiences by global creatives.
According to Emirates News Agency, the symposium aims to explore the intersections of art, science, and technology, focusing on themes of identity, environment, and place through contemporary perspectives. With the inclusion of historic neighborhoods and public spaces, the program aligns with Dubai Culture's objectives to achieve the Digital Art Roadmap, support talent, and promote innovation.
The current edition of ISEA2026 is the largest in the symposium's history, featuring a range of cultural and heritage destinations across Dubai. Highlights include interactive installations like Sabella sf. in Al Shindagha, which explores human-robot interaction, and KLIMATON in Al Fahidi, which transforms Arctic climate data into sound. Other works such as Fantomatyka and Here There Are Lions investigate relationships between light, perception, and space.
Exhibitions at the Theatre of Digital Art and other venues extend the experience, offering audiences opportunities to engage with digital art beyond traditional exhibition spaces. The program also includes works that delve into themes of heritage and environmental change, underscoring technology's role in artistic expression.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasized the significance of the symposium, noting that it strengthens Dubai's cultural landscape and fosters international collaboration among artists and researchers. The initiative reflects Dubai's advanced cultural infrastructure and commitment to integrating digital art into everyday life, reinforcing its position as a leader in the creative economy.