Karlsruhe as a Vibrant Hub of Media Art
From February 20 to 23, 2025, the UNESCO City of Media Arts will once again be represented at art karlsruhe. At the Karlsruhe Forum in Hall 3, embedded within the diverse offerings of Karlsruhe’s cultural institutions, visitors can learn about the work of the UNESCO City of Media Arts Office and experience an interactive media art installation.
As part of the worldwide UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Karlsruhe actively promotes media art and interdisciplinary artistic practices. The city sees media art not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a driving force for societal and technological developments. With its strong network of cultural institutions, research centers, and independent artists, Karlsruhe provides a unique environment for innovative projects at the intersection of art, science, and technology.
The city’s presence at the fair highlights its role as a vibrant hub of media art, showcasing the fusion of technological and artistic innovation.
Shape Shifter: A Portal Between the Physical and Digital World
The central element of Karlsruhe’s exhibition is the installation Shape Shifter by Alex Besta and Felix Seelos, which was selected as the winning project in an open call. Under the theme The Future is Today, the work explores the interplay of humans, technology, and art, making the connection between the digital and physical worlds tangible.
The installation invites visitors to step through a walk-in portal that captures their movements and translates them into digital commands. These processes—such as creating or deleting files—are displayed live on a screen, making the close interaction between digital systems and human actions an immersive experience. The realization of this artwork was made possible through the support of the Werner Stober Foundation.
Spotlight on the Art Scene: Project Spaces and Kunstrauschen Karlsruhe
Alongside the presentation of the UNESCO City of Media Arts, a dedicated stand at the Karlsruhe Forum will showcase the diversity of the city’s independent art scene. This platform highlights Karlsruhe’s project and Off-spaces while also drawing attention to the second edition of Kunstrauschen on February 21. During Kunstrauschen, Karlsruhe’s Off-spaces, studios, and workshops will open their doors, inviting visitors to explore the local art scene after the fair. To make these locations easily accessible, a free shuttle bus will transport visitors from the exhibition grounds to various stops throughout the city. Signposts at each stop will guide guests to the individual project spaces. From 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., visitors can use the free shuttle service to explore the participating spaces, exhibitions, and performances. The bus schedule and further details can be found at www.kunstrauschen-karlsruhe.de.