Nature has been an inspiration for human creativity since the dawn of time. But as we advance with technology and storytelling, it’s essential to reflect on our relationship with the environment. New Nature is a profound exploration of the interplay between technology, narratives, and decolonial practices. Through a 21-minute speculative sound and text installation, the documentary takes us on a journey to challenge colonial and extractive views of nature. Renowned BBC presenter Sir David Attenborough’s AI-generated voice narrates the work, replacing his iconic wildlife images with simple projected text. This creative approach prompts us to reflect on our relationship with nature and consider the effects of our actions.

With their vast intellect, social structure, and language system, whales are not so different from humans. Linked by a shared ancestor, they have evolved together over time. And yet, we have long posed a threat to their survival. But what if we could bridge this divide, creating music that unites our species with these majestic creatures of the sea? Through AI, blue whale vocalisations and human music intertwine in a mesmerising convergence, offering a glimpse of a future where we coexist in harmony. In the whales’ struggle for survival, we can see reflections of our own nature and the potential for both destruction and understanding.

Artists have always experimented with new technologies and materials to reflect upon and express their interpretations of our world, and AI is no exception. However, the engine that drives AI is fuelled by a maximalist and extractive consumption of resources, resulting in a strange irony when it is used for creating art that offers a commentary on climate change and the devastation of our global environment. In this dialog, we will be debating whether it is at all possible to create AI art that is environmentally and ethically responsible, or whether it is a necessary compromise that is justified by AI art’s ability to creatively communicate stories and truths that might help turn the tide of ecocide.

Artists come together to share their experiences of working with AI to create thought-provoking art pieces that inspire conversations about climate change. Through these interactive sharing sessions, artists reflect on their creative processes, shedding light on how AI can be used as a tool to create powerful art that raises awareness about the environment. Audiences have the opportunity to engage with the artists and learn about the various techniques used to create AI-powered artworks that communicate the urgency of the climate crisis.

Take the plunge into a world of oceanic magic with Asthir Gehrayee! This immersive, interactive piece transports you to the depths and beauty of the ocean, all while being reminded of its fragility, and the dangers it faces. Inspired to take action, embark on an odyssey that will leave you enchanted and empowered. This journey will awaken not only your senses but also your sense of purpose, demonstrating the impact you can have on the world around you. Join us for a call to oceanic preservation, wrapped in a mesmerising experience unlike any other!

Scientists are turning to genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and machine learning to tackle global warming and species extinction. CAON has created a speculative ecosystem where artificial intelligence is used to create and optimise synthetic species to thrive in an increasingly hostile environment. You are invited to observe the changing ecosystem as you fly with and even help these synthetic creatures adapt to their changing surroundings via the perspective of an AI simulator. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the possibilities of a future where technology can help us mitigate or exacerbate the effects of climate change and species loss.

Step into the climate conversation in a new and dynamic way with ClimateProv! In this interactive improv theatre experience, human performers join forces with an AI colleague to create live and unscripted scenes inspired by the climate emergency. Each performance is designed to be unique, engaging audiences, performers, and AI technology all at once.

Get ready to be fully absorbed in thought-provoking discussions and take part in a call to action for the planet. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this one-of-a-kind theatrical event.

As the climate crisis continues to escalate, what is art’s role and response in dealing with a challenging present and a precarious future? Artists have long engaged with environmental issues and ecologies, enabling us to rethink our relationship with the planet and non-human perspectives, and more than ever before, art festivals and exhibitions are addressing urgent questions about the climate crisis. But how can art and arts organisations significantly contribute to these conversations and help drive change in attitudes? Can curators and artists help us engage with the world and ecosystems in non-exploitative ways, but also influence decision-makers and citizens to take action?

A childhood memory is re-imagined on the Essex marshes in the UK. With a touch of AI, familiar landscapes are transformed by flocks of digital birds. Using a neural network, these hybrid creatures are crafted from images of native birds and take flight across the mudflats of Landermere Creek. As the artificially generated birdsong fills the air, the natural ecology of the location is both augmented and disrupted. Watch in wonder as real flocks of birds enter into a visual dialogue with their digital counterparts.

Climate-conscious and environmentally-rooted independent films, handpicked and specially curated to showcase the vast diversity and perspectives of the climate discussion. Catch exclusive screenings of films such as The Seeds of Vandana Shiva by Camilla and James Becket, and Oscar & Bafta-nominated film, All That Breathes by Shaunak Sen amongst a selection of several other long & short features. Also featuring talks and discussions with filmmakers on subjects such as community, conservation, the role of films in climate action and much more!

Download the full schedule here.

Combining the thrill of a live performance with the excitement of a video game experience, this epic show takes you on a wild ride through a world where cultural heritage is on the brink of extinction. But fear not! Our talented team of cyborgs and artists are here to save the day, remixing ancient traditions and cutting-edge tech to create a mind-blowing musical adventure. Immerse yourself in a vibrant world of sound and colour, where digital beings and game engine technologies collide to create a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. Our daring cyborg heroine leads her crew of artistic rebels on a rhythmic journey through time and space, blending the best of craft, science, and cultural traditions to create something truly special. So if you’re ready to rock the year 2079 and beyond, join us for an unforgettable performance that honours the past while blazing a trail into the future. It’s the ultimate mash-up of tradition and innovation, and you won’t want to miss it!

A hand-picked showcase of thought-provoking short films at FutureFantastic that explores various aspects of climate change, sustainability, and the beauty of the world around us. From the story of a Ladakhi teenager discovering the hidden beauty of his land to the remarkable sustenance of a woman in the coastal waters of Madagascar, these films offer unique perspectives on the environment. The showcase includes a poignant film about a nonagenarian couple’s lifelong collection of insects, titled “Love Bugs”, and two Indian films “Rolgol” and “Thengapally,” that shed light on different aspects of climate change.

We paint the canvas of space with our movements! A safe space to nurture your creative instinct through movement explorations without being restricted to a particular style or form but rather constantly evolving and taking new creative forms. The workshop focuses on exploring ways in which the body can move using the space around us drawing from our embodied experiences.

This is an introduction to methods which help you explore, research, and innovate movement vocabularies to develop your own practice to meet your personal goals — whatever they may be. Should it be learning to dance, telling stories in movement, unwinding after a long day, or getting together and dancing with a community of fellow movement enthusiasts, everyone is welcome!

In finalforest.exe we find ourselves, witnessing the unfolding of a cybernetic ritual. A disembodied voice whispers ancient secrets and lost histories into an AI simulation that has turned sentient and wanders a seemingly infinite tropical forest. Remixing folklore, urban legends, archaeological records, conspiracies, and science fiction, finalforest.exe interrogates the mythic narratives that preserve caste as the core anatomy of Indian society.

Are you ready to dive into a world where technology, art, and sustainability collide? Future City is an immersive Augmented Reality experience that ignites a conversation between the city and its citizens. With this location-specific installation, you’ll be transported to a mixed-reality world that re-imagines urban mobility in an environmentally sustainable light.

Step into a parallel universe where innovation meets climate action. Be a part of shaping the future, right now. Get ready to be inspired – the future starts here, with you, in Future City!

Unleash a world of stories and predictions with a flick of your wrist. This interactive installation fuses the grace of Indian classical dance forms with the power of machine learning. Mudras, or symbolic hand gestures, become the key to unlocking the speculative musings of a child-like AI named ‘Shunya.’ So, shimmy your fingers and let the conversation begin!

Going Circular is an exhibit that explores how humans have evolved and the effect of our activities on the environment. The installation encourages visitors to adopt a circular economy approach to protect our planet for the long term. It acknowledges that our planet’s systems are interconnected, and we play a significant role in creating a more sustainable future.

Since 2019, the artist has been collecting her tears — first after losing 3 loved ones and another at the start of COVID-19 when she “trained herself” to cry to relieve her anxiety. This led to exploring the chemical composition of human tears to see how they could make a healthy, tiny marine ecosystem. As a form of catharsis, this became a constructive way to deal with personal and environmental loss. This artwork invites you to relax, reflect and shed some tears assisted by an AI Moirologist (professional mourner) to help cry. This work is a haunting yet hopeful tribute to the power of human emotion and the need for empathy and action in the face of global challenges. The supporting team includes Robin Rimbaud (Sound Consultation), Erik Overmeire (Tech Co-developer), Gosia Siwiec (3D Artworker / Product Design), Ivan Marewich (Camera), Davor Delija (Production Assistant).

Tezos India Arts & Culture presents a workshop for artists and those interested in art to introduce them to the various Web3 platforms on Tezos including new AI-driven generative art platforms. The workshop includes live minting of work onto the blockchain and collecting various works from participating artists.

What happens when the boundaries between human and machine blur in a live choreography performance? This unique production raises questions about the power dynamics between performers and digital choreographers, exploring the limitations and freedoms within the structure governed by algorithms. With a mix of humour and absurdity, the piece challenges the audience to consider the impact of technology on our creative expression and decision-making. Get ready for a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of art, technology, and the human experience.

Due to global warming and species extinction, our planet is becoming increasingly uninhabitable. Scientists now rely on genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and machine learning as potential tools to mitigate climate change and species loss. We envision a speculative ecosystem in the near future where artificial intelligence is utilized to create and optimize species capable of withstanding the increasingly hostile environment. In doing so, we are utilizing AI as a visualization tool.

The AI tsunami is upon us. For those interested in engaging with this new paradigm of creation, this workshop is the go-to. Learn and create with our amazing facilitators who come from the farthest realms of tech and art practice, leading the change of creators boldly exploring a new medium. As the world unpacks and begins to understand the ethical implications of AI amidst the climate crisis we find ourselves in, this workshop offers an opportunity to be at the forefront of this emerging field.

Create stories and narratives spontaneously with artificial intelligence as your scene partner! Explore the golden rule of ‘Yes, and…’ to discover characters, narratives and action. Get a glimpse of different improvisational styles and jump straight into your first improv scene with artificial intelligence as your scene partner.

This workshop will use fun games and exercises to introduce the world of improv to participants. The Climateprov team will demonstrate how they are using artificial intelligence technology for improv theatre and invite the participants to improvise with the AI!

Experience the art and technology integration in the water resource simulation system created using the “cave” from Jiayu Liu’s sustainable series as an art language. The simulation system uses particles to represent water molecules, which move based on data, revealing stories and facts through a combination of art and technology. The particle’s colour and number represent water quality and quantity, and an alarm bell alerts the audience when particles reach a critical threshold. The three-dimensional “Time, Space, and People system” reflects the changes in the water system and highlights the idea that humans are a part of the universe.

Namu Recommends: Vegan Market is the perfect fusion of how sustainability and technology can come together to create an exciting and diverse world of vegan products. From delicious plant-based food to dairy-free cheese, indulgent desserts, personal care products, and more, this market offers a wide range of products that cater to both vegans and non-vegans alike. All the brands are handpicked to ensure they align with sustainability values, so you can feel good about supporting businesses that are environmentally responsible. Come explore this market and discover new and exciting vegan products that not only taste great but also promote a sustainable, fantastic future together.

A thought-provoking discussion on navigating change in the face of climate chaos. Exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change, and discussing strategies for adapting to a rapidly changing world, climate experts to concerned citizens are all welcome to join. From policy and technology to community engagement and individual action, this conversation will examine the many pathways toward a more sustainable future.

Tezos India is exhibiting a collection of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) from the Tezos Ecosystem. These NFTs are selected and organised by Tezos India Arts & Culture. Tezos is a blockchain technology that operates on a Proof of Stake mechanism, which is energy-efficient and can upgrade itself automatically. On average, the energy usage of Tezos is equivalent to that of only 17 individuals worldwide.

Join the playful revolution with this artwork, an interactive adventure where your movements become the solution to the rise of global warming. As you play, not only will you generate stunning generative AI art, but you’ll also delve into the heart of climate science and grasp the reality of our climate emergency. Discover the power of individual responsibility and the incredible potential of collective action, all while having fun!

This art piece is a captivating blend of the human form, the written word, and advanced predictive technology. The work delves into our relationship with waste, and how we can transform it into something that gives pause for meaningful reflection. Titled ‘Plastic Prāyaścitta’, the performance takes the form of a video shot through the bustling streets of Delhi. It showcases the “Poetics of Garbage”, inviting us to consider how we can articulate change in the world around us. The transformation of waste into something useful and culturally iconic, like a costume, through a ritualistic performance is a call to action, urging us to look beyond the surface of waste and explore its potential to create something of greater value and importance.

Through the workshop, the objective is to create a Manifesto for the Ethical Use of AI that acknowledges its inevitability while recognizing its impact on the environment, specifically climate change. The purpose is to collect thoughts and ideas on using AI in ethical and responsible ways, with a focus on artists’ use of AI. The Manifesto is intended to resonate with a broader audience beyond artists who utilize AI.

The larger question around generative AI tools continues to persist: what are the societal implications of accepting this technological fate as definite? Curated by Digital Futures Lab, ‘Talking Back: A Conversation on Generative AI for the 21st Century’, is a panel discussion on what we should preempt, practice and prepare for within our ever-evolving collective digital futures.

This Dialog is curated by Digital Futures Lab

Curious about the intersection of AI and art? This workshop is for young and experienced artists who want to learn about AI, particularly generative AI.

During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the possibilities of creating generative art with AI. They will use a generative AI platform to collaboratively produce unique and innovative artwork with other artists. The workshop also seeks to spark a discussion on the future of AI in the art industry, including its advantages and disadvantages, and how it can impact the creative process.

Get a chance to connect with other artists and explore the fascinating potential of AI in the world of art. It is open to anyone, regardless of prior experience with AI or generative art

The text-to-image generators have surprised many people with their ability to generate stunning images from just a few words. The origin of this technology has been a source of curiosity, as some have speculated that it may be the work of an artist within a box, while others believe it to be a complex machine that steals from other artists. The workings of image generators like Midjourney and DallE, as well as their limitations and effective use, will be explored. Using Gooey.AI an exercise will be conducted to imagine a city of the future and use image generators to create visually appealing representations. The resulting artworks will be combined for an interactive art installation at Rangashankara, which will be open to the public after the workshop.

The installation, The Cost of Inaction, depicts real climate crisis events in Bangalore and other cities to raise awareness about climate change. It utilizes prompts from news articles, photographs, and other media sources to showcase the devastating effects of climate change. The installation’s objective is to educate visitors about the potential repercussions of inaction on climate change and inspire immediate action to mitigate its effects. By depicting the real-world impacts of inaction, it encourages viewers to take a more active role in fighting climate change and inspires urgency. The Cost of Inaction serves as a wake-up call for society about the critical need to address climate change before it is too late, urging individuals and communities to take action to protect our planet.

The Irregular Times (TIRT) is the product of the Irregulars Alliance, a creative alliance working at the intersection of art + cultural production, strategy + branding, and artist representation. TIRT is a quarterly art and design newspaper that serves as an opportunity to provide new perspectives at the intersection of art, media, activism, politics, & contemporary culture. Through collaboration with diverse individuals, the publication strives to create accessible and inclusive content while fostering meaningful exchanges with its readers and promoting the revival of print media.

At FutureFantastic, TIRT will be showcasing its 3 issues both individually and as a bundle for visitors to purchase! The publications feature interactive columns such as adult colouring pages, and zine-making exercises, encouraging readers to cut out and frame their artwork. Taking a non-conformist approach to book design, the issues feature digital collage, art features, craft, uncensored imagery, writing, type enforcement, DIY, and origami, all while promoting sustainability in the arts.

The passenger pigeon, once a sociable flock of over 5 billion, fell to extinction in the 20th century within four decades of human intervention. The Lost Passage, an immersive installation, captures the essence of their captivity and transport, a poignant reminder of how a once-free species was confined for its own survival. Within a deliberate digital landscape, each pigeon now serves as a ghost, their destitute memory haunting us with the sublime beauty of a lost landscape. With machine learning algorithms crafting their every move, they now possess an agency driven by artificial intelligence, forever trapped in a digital cage.

Merging human performers with the power of real-time text created by a machine, this performative piece explores the city of Bangalore, its neighbourhoods, people, peculiarities and dark corners. The endless stream of consciousness of an artificial neural network is confronted with our very human condition — thoughtful and confused, touching and outrageous, all at once! For a never stopping 12 hours, four human performers will interpret, speak and play texts created in that very moment by a large language model, followed by a camera through the streets of Bangalore and streamed live to the festival centre and various locations around the country and the world.

Catch the live stream here!

Calling young creators to work with Artificial Intelligence tools and Storytelling to fashion imaginative narratives on Climate change. Use music, speech, AI and our natural world to predict what happens if an Octopus were to arrive at your door. Imagine. Create. Write. Perform. Compose. Birth-a-bot!

This artwork presents a series of photographs and artworks, reflecting on the possibility of a world without humans and ecosystems. Inspired by Barthes’ belief that photography captures the lingering presence of death, the images feature extinct, endangered, or soon-to-be-gone animals, as well as depictions of mythical creatures exploited by capitalists. The artwork’s title, drawn from Eliot and Pound’s The Waste Land, further emphasizes the theme of desolation in a post-war world. This piece encourages us to reflect on the impact of human actions on the environment and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Based on the artwork of the same name, this performance reflects on a world without humans and ecosystems, featuring photographs of extinct, endangered, or mythical creatures. Through its title and theme, it encourages us to consider the impact of human actions on the environment and the need for preservation.

The practice of live scoring silent films before the advent of talkies served as inspiration for this special presentation. In those days, the orchestra pit with the performers was usually the first thing visible on the stage, followed by the movie screen. This performance is a blend of various film techniques, including those from the near future, recently made possible, classic, and ancient times. It brings together AI generation, classical editing, and the practices of live-projecting and live scoring.

As globalisation homogenises culture and commerce, we must remember the homogenisation of nature. Up to 200 species may become extinct every day, leaving us to wonder if only domesticated species will survive. Used To Be My Home Too is an artwork that reflects this issue. It uses Google Earth to locate where animal, fungi, and plant observations are being photographed and sent to iNaturalist.org. The artwork maps taxonomically similar species that have gone extinct in the last 30 years, automatically adding them in real time via RedList.org. By doing so, it reminds us of the loss we’ve already suffered and the need to protect and preserve the remaining biodiversity. This artwork highlights our role as biodiverse agents interacting with the earth’s most fundamental processes and the impact that homogenisation has on our environment and our lives.

The water conservation champion is a social experiment done to understand how people behave in a scenario where an open water dispenser is left unattended. A very common-looking dispenser is placed with its tap open. The people who take the time to close the tap are shown a congratulatory message along with the count of the people that went by without closing the tap and the amount of water wasted. The idea is to create awareness amongst people about the amount of water that is wasted due to negligence and how insensitive people have become towards water wastage.

Walk into a cascade of waste, where data meets art and reality hits home. Witness the intimate relationship between the performers and the garbage they produced. This AI-powered art installation exposes the toxic equation between humans and the garbage we generate. Be awed and challenged as this ironic visual pageantry inspires contemplation on our daily consumption habits, sparking a call to action on the pressing issue of sustainability.

Enter the Wood Wide Web and witness forests come to life. Ancient and endangered trees of India and the UK share their tales of survival through skeletal tracking and AI magic. Don’t just admire the beauty of these magnificent beings, feel their pain and become their advocate in the fight against climate change. Through this piece, our forests have a voice and inviting us to join them in protecting our shared planet!