HYBRID Biennale

Hardly any other phenomenon is currently changing societies as fundamentally and dynamically as digitalisation - with the help of immersive technology, AI and algorithmic processes, not only are new power structures, living environments and aesthetics emerging, but also new spaces, formats and visibilities of art.

Hellerau was founded at the beginning of the 20th century as a joint project of industry, research and art and as a response to industrialisation and changes in working and living conditions. The White Cube, developed here in 1911 by Adolphe Appia, was legendary and characterised the modern black box and immersive spatial concepts. Over 100 years later, the Free State of Saxony and the Smart City model city of Dresden are recognised as important locations for the global semiconductor and software industry; in addition to large corporations such as Infineon or TSMC, numerous leading medium-sized companies, renowned research institutes, e.g. in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence, and one of the few German universities of excellence, the TU Dresden, can be found here.

With the two HYBRID Biennale festival editions, HELLERAU now addresses its own historical references as well as current global and regional developments. In the midst of exceptionally critical phases of digital transformation processes, the concept of the hybrid in its technological, political and social dimensions and the dramatically changing conditions of production and reception of art are reflected in artistic projects, laboratory, experimental and discourse spaces.