Ars Electronica 2018 Explores Error as Art of Imperfection

The 2018 Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, Austria, centers on the theme "Error – The Art of Imperfection," challenging the logic of machine infallibility. The festival, known for blending art, science, and technology, features symposia, performances, and exhibitions that embrace error as a source of unforeseen solutions and creative risk. This year, the festival awarded the Golden Nica's "Visionary Pioneers of Media Arts" prize to Leonardo Journal, published by The MIT Press Journals, in honor of its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1968 by Frank Malina and later directed by his son Roger, the journal has been a pioneering force at the intersection of art, science, and technology. The festival's broad scope includes digital art, computer graphics, virtual reality, interactive art, robotics, biotechnology, and neuroscience. Past editions have addressed the Anthropocene (2009) and AI's social impact (2017). The 2018 edition emphasizes that error and risk-taking, combined with creativity, may become essential future skills.