Ars Electronica sets attendance record after return to Linz centre

Ars Electronica recorded a record 125,000 visits after returning to Linz city centre, ORF reported on Monday. Organisers said the festival, held from September 9 to 13, attracted more local people because of its stronger presence at more than 40 locations.

This year’s festival, held under the theme “Negotiating Humanity”, explored issues at the intersection of art, technology and society. For the first time, an exhibition was spread across eight locations in the city centre, which visitors could explore through a “Festival Walk”.

Gerfried Stocker, head of Ars Electronica, said the move from the former festival headquarters at PostCity near Linz main station back into the city centre had made a clear difference. The festival’s greater visibility in public spaces had attracted additional audiences, he said.

More than 1,200 artists, scientists, developers and activists from 77 countries took part. Their work was presented at 31 venues.

The festival also offered more than 227 guided tours covering 22 thematic areas. According to the organisers, more than 2,500 people attended the tours.

Festival manager Veronika Liebl said the new concept had received a positive response. The aim was to bring the festival’s artistic and scientific content closer to places where people spend their everyday lives, including places for learning, shopping and discussion.

Ars Electronica will remain in the city centre. Organisers have scheduled next year’s festival for September 8 to 12, 2027.

About 1,000 guests attended celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the Ars Electronica Center on the evening before this year’s festival.