ANTWERP – De Singel, the renowned Antwerp-based arts centre, is set to host a groundbreaking new festival, ‘Digitize Me!’, from April 22 to 27, exploring the intersection of technology and the performing arts.
The event will delve into the transformative impact of digital innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) on artistic expression, offering a glimpse into the future of the creative industry.
The festival will feature a diverse lineup of performances, discussions, and immersive installations, bringing together leading artists, researchers, and technologists.
Among the highlights is a panel discussion on AI and democracy featuring Belgian computer scientist Pattie Maes of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and data scientist Paola Verhaert.
The conversation will examine how AI-driven decision-making could reshape democratic processes and artistic expression.
Director Celine Daemen will present an innovative VR experience that explores the transience of reality, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a dreamlike world where they interact with their own 3D reflection.
Meanwhile, the ZeMu! Ensemble will push the boundaries of storytelling with an “expanded cinema experience,” integrating film, theatre, lasers, and music to create a multi-sensory spectacle.
Another standout performance is ‘Quanta,’ a theatre production that intertwines quantum physics with human relationships, offering audiences a thought-provoking perspective on interconnectedness and uncertainty.
Additionally, ‘Hands Made,’ a performance by De Singel’s artist in residence Begüm Erciyas, will engage audience members by incorporating their hands into a piece exploring the evolution of touch in a technology-driven world.
The festival serves as a prelude to De Singel’s long-term vision of fostering collaboration between the arts and technology.
In 2026, the centre plans to launch the ‘Art&Tech Lab,’ a pioneering research space where artists and tech experts will experiment with new forms of artistic expression.
This initiative aims to transform the way audiences experience art while critically examining the role of digital tools in shaping creativity and sensory perception.
De Singel’s commitment to exploring the relationship between art and technology underscores the increasing significance of digital innovation in contemporary creative practices.
By hosting ‘Digitize Me!’, the centre positions itself at the forefront of this evolving landscape, inviting artists and audiences alike to reflect on how technology is reshaping human experience.
With a program that bridges disciplines and challenges traditional artistic boundaries, ‘Digitize Me!’ promises to be a thought-provoking festival that not only showcases technological advancements in the arts but also invites deeper discussions on the ethical and philosophical implications of digital transformation.
Visitors can expect a dynamic week of discovery, pushing the limits of what art can be in an increasingly digitized world.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
