MFRU Festival of Computer Arts in Maribor, Slovenia, Celebrates 30th Edition
On October 18, the 30th MFRU Festival of Computer Arts commenced in Maribor, Slovenia, under the cautionary theme "Technology will not save us." Established in 1995, this festival encourages innovation in visual arts and new media while tackling sociopolitical, economic, and ecological challenges. Curated by Davide Bevilacqua and Lara Mejač, the primary exhibition titled "MFRU30: Off the shelf" will be open until October 27 at the Teresienhof. Artists such as Freštreš, Undoing.Studio, and Rok Kranjc are showcased, with notable pieces including Kranjc's card game and Ruano's multimedia installation. The event has faced criticism for its absence of traditional festival elements and low public turnout, with workshops restricted to professionals. Recommendations for enhancement include improved communication and funding acquisition.
Key facts
- 30th edition of MFRU Festival of Computer Arts in Maribor, Slovenia
- Opened October 18, 2024, runs until October 27
- Main exhibition: 'MFRU30: Off the shelf. Post-Consumerist Imageries When the Business Left the Building'
- Venue: Teresienhof / Velika Kavarna, a historic building
- Curated by Davide Bevilacqua and Lara Mejač
- Artists: Freštreš, Undoing.Studio, Xcessive Aesthetics, Rok Kranjc, Dasha Ilina, Pablo Somonte Ruano, Inari Wishiki, Alice Strete & Simon Browne
- Festival founded in 1995
- Criticism: lack of side events, multiple venues, community engagement; low public attendance
Entities
Artists
- Davide Bevilacqua
- Lara Mejač
- Rok Kranjc
- Dasha Ilina
- Pablo Somonte Ruano
- Inari Wishiki
- Alice Strete
- Simon Browne
- Donald A. Norman
Institutions
- MFRU Festival of Computer Arts
- Freštreš
- Undoing.Studio
- Xcessive Aesthetics
- Teresienhof / Velika Kavarna
- Artribune
Locations
- Maribor
- Slovenia
- Glavni Trg
- Ljubljana
- Nova Gorica