HYBRID - Cutting Edge Canada

At the beginning of the 20th century HELLERAU was founded as a joint project of industry, research, and art and as a response to industrialization and changes in working and living conditions. More than 100 years later, HYBRID, a new international platform, a laboratory, an experimental and discursive space for the arts in the digital age in the wake of critical phases of global transformation processes, is being established at HELLERAU.

As a start of HYBRID, a joint festival will be presented for the first time in cooperation with MUTEK: HYBRID – CUTTING EDGE CANADA. Originally this collaboration was set to take place in 2020. Due to the current state of the world this event can only take place in 2021 and almost exclusively online:

For four days, from March 11 to 14, we will present performances on virtual stages, an interactive virtual gallery exhibiting innovative digital artworks, an auditorium showcasing talks and panels, and a listening room with a non-stop selection from the archives of the MUTEK network

In addition, in cooperation with PYLON, HYBRID<>BOX, a modular container gallery, will open in front of the Main Hall of HELLERAU, Dresden, which will showcase a variety of digital artworks throughout this year.

The focus of HYBRID – CUTTING EDGE CANADA is on artists who live in Canada, have worked there or are active in the MUTEK network. Beyond the performative program we will further present talks and panels of the NEW NATURE initiative in collaboration with the Goethe Institut Montreal: A project in which climate scientists, technology experts and artists respond to the need to rethink our relationship with nature. With the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Government of Canada, we hope to provide a great platform for all artists and an exciting experience for our audience. An experience that will bring like-minded people closer together – no matter where in the world.

The festival platform on virtual.mutek.org will be open between Thursday, March 11 and Sunday, March 14, 2021. The live program will be streamed each night from 20:00 German time (CET = GMT+1) with an additional replay scheduled for 20:00 Montreal time (EST = GMT-5). The virtual gallery, the auditorium, and the listening room will be available on-demand throughout the entire festival period.

After your free registration you will be granted access to the full virtual festival experience of HYBRID – CUTTING EDGE CANADA. Tickets are free – but with a donation you can help us support LISA, the network of the club scene in Saxony.