Art in the Age of the Metaverse

Art in the Age of the Metaverse is a conference that aims to explore and critically reflect on the role of art in the time of the metaverse, as a new cultural and social context, and shape its future direction more ethically and collaboratively. The metaverse is a shared space at the nexus of the virtual and the physical that is gaining increased attention as a space for artistic production and experiences.

Confirmed speakers include Morehshin Allahyari, Black Swan, Ian Cheng, Barbara Cueto, Ali Eslami, The Hmm, Trevor McFedries, Micaela Mantegna, Moving Castle (Arthur Roeing Baer+GVN), Marina Otero Verzier, Chao Tayiana, Shuruq Tramontini, and Veronica So. Further confirmed participants will be continuously added to the website.

Art in the Age of the Metaverse brings together artists, curators, activists and industry professionals from around the world who are working at the intersection of the metaverse and contemporary art. Through talks, discussions, and presentations, the participants will share their insights and explore key questions such as: What are the forms of artistic expression at the nexus of physical and virtual? How do artists engage with the ethical, social, and environmental implications? How do artists impact what the metaverse is and can become facing big tech? And what role do we, as participants, play in shaping its future direction?

The main goal of Art in the Age of the Metaverse is to promote a more equitable and engaged vision for the metaverse. This includes considering issues such as decentralisation and inclusivity addressing the environmental impact of the infrastructure required to support the metaverse as well as promoting sustainability and responsibility in its development and use.

In addition to these broader themes, the conference will showcase the work of individual artists and collectives who are using the metaverse as a medium for artistic expression. Through their practices, these artists are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the metaverse and challenging traditional notions of space, time, and identity.

We hope that Art in the Age of the Metaverse will provide a space and opportunity for thought-provoking discussions and exchanges.

Day programme    

Day 1 (Friday, March 10, 2023)
–Workshops by Black Swan, The Hmm, Shuruq Tramontini & Veronica So at the Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten
–Opening of the presentation of works by various artists working with metaverse technologies and themes at De Balie
–Dutch premiere of Ian Cheng’s latest film work Life After BOB: The Chalice Study at De Balie

Day 2 (Saturday, March 11, 2023)
–Conference at De Balie with Morehshin Allahyari, Ian Cheng, Barbara Cueto, Ali Eslami, Micaela Mantegna, Trevor McFedries, Moving Castle (Arthur Roeing Baer+GVN), Marina Otero Verzier, Chao Tayiana, and more participants to be announced

Day 3 (Sunday, March 12, 2023)
–Presentation of works by various artists working with metaverse technologies and themes at De Balie

The multi-year research project Art in the Age of the Metaverse is a collaboration between the Hartwig Art Foundation and the Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten, conducted by Memory Gems. The international conference is organised together with De Balie.

Tickets are on sale now—join us for this exciting event and important conversations live in Amsterdam or via our Discord server and livestream online!