Tag: art

SlingTV Box S5 Max Express 4K review

Meet the latest addition to the SlingTV Box family, the SlingTV Box S5 Max – a true entertainment powerhouse. Packed with 4GB of DDR and 128GB eMMC storage, it ensures uninterrupted performance. Embracing the advanced Android 12, the SlingTV Box S5 Max enhances your viewing experience.

With WiFi 6 and dual external antennas, your connectivity soars to new heights, ensuring seamless streaming. Plus, the upgraded voice command system and Bluetooth remote control simplify your streaming experience. Prepare for an immersive journey into a world of endless content, all elegantly packaged within the sleek and sophisticated design of the SlingTV Box S5 Max.

We have been testing the latest TV box and given the constant media attention here with such it is another option to check out despite the constant fear mongering around dodgy boxes yet alone the rising costs of subs here and a forced TV licence it is down to you the user who wants to see what is out there and what is on offer and there is no fees here once the SlingTV Box S5 is purchased.

SlingTV Box S5 Max Packed with 4GB of DDR and 128GB eMMC storage, it ensures uninterrupted performance. Embracing the advanced Android 12, the SlingTV Box S5 Max enhances your viewing experience.

15,000+ HD Live premium channels and PPV:SlingTV Box allows you to watch local and top cable channels without cable. Network TV, Regional Locals, Sports Networks, 24/7 channels, PPV Events, NBA, MLB, NFL, NCAAF, NHL, Canada (English & French), Latino (Spanish) Philippines. It includes live news(sports, politics entertainment, etc.) and TV shows. Check all updated channels listed HERE

Check out the Video below for more and what to expect

Product Overview

Model: Sling TV Box S5 Max

Operating System: Android 12.0

Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53

GPU: Mali-G31 MP2

RAM: 4GB DDR

Storage: 128GB eMMC

WiFi: WiFi-6 supported

Ethernet: 1000Mbps Ethernet

Bluetooth: 5.2

Video Decoder: H.265 6K@60fps

Power supply: Dc 5V/2A

Output Interface: HDMI 2.1 *1, USB 3.0 *1, Optical Audio Output

 

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Small Chess Table with Luxury Finish | Crafted for Discerning Tastes

The Chess experience greatly elevates when you buy it from brands which have been skillfully handcrafting chess sets with finesse, art, and culture. While refined interiors and meaningful leisure exists, few objects balance intellect, craftsmanship, and elegance quite like a small chess table, designed with a luxury finish. More than a compact gaming surface, it represents a statement of taste, where strategic thinking meets timeless design. For those who appreciate exclusivity and detail, a finely crafted chess table becomes both a functional masterpiece and a work of art within the home.

Where Strategy Meets Sophistication

Chess has long helped champion hone intellect, patience, and prestige, which merges with playing the game consistently that at some point becomes intuitive.  When this classic game is paired with luxurious materials and artisanal craftsmanship, it transcends recreation and enters the realm of lifestyle design, which are helpful to become a pro chess player. A luxury small chess table offers the perfect harmony allowing to play chess for sport or leisure. 

Unlike oversized game furniture that takes up a lot of space, these tables fit seamlessly into reading corners, private lounges, home offices, and luxury apartments, without compromising on elegance and space. 

The Appeal of Compact Luxury Furniture

Minimalism and luxury are no longer opposing ideas contradicted with the creation of this small chess table. Today’s exquisite homeowners seek furniture that is refined, purposeful, and versatile . A small chess table with a luxury finish answers this demand perfectly while elevating your interiors.

The compact proportions of the small chess table make it suitable for:

  • Urban residences that have limited space especially in metropolitan cities
  • Executive offices and private studies that demand space
  • Boutique hotels and luxury lounges with timeless incorporation
  • Elegant gift collections for collectors who like compact pieces

Despite its compact size & design, the craftsmanship speaks volumes for its premium finishes, polished edges, and intricate board detailing. This ensures it commands attention without overwhelming the room.

Premium Materials That Define Excellence

The luxury of a chess table is largely defined by the materials used in its creation where its high-end designs often feature:

Solid Hardwood Construction

Woods such as walnut, rosewood, teak, or ebony are carefully selected for durability for its rich natural patterns, which are grainy. These woods age gracefully, developing character over time.

Hand-Polished Luxury Finishes

From high-gloss lacquers to satin matte coatings, luxury finishes elevate the table’s visual depth while protecting it from wear. Many tables undergo multiple layers of hand polishing for a flawless surface.

Inlaid Chessboards

Luxury chess tables often showcase hand-inlaid boards using contrasting wood tones, mother-of-pearl, brass, or marble accents, adding dimension and artistic flair.

Precision Craftsmanship

Every edge, joint, and square is meticulously measured to ensure perfect symmetry, smooth play, and long-lasting stability.

Designed for Discerning Tastes

A luxury small chess table is not designed for mass appeal. It is crafted for those who value detail, heritage, and exclusivity. Each piece reflects intentional design choices, from leg structure and table height to the tactile feel of the playing surface.

For collectors and enthusiasts, these tables often serve as heirloom pieces, objects that can be passed down through generations while retaining their charm and relevance.

Functional Beauty for Modern Living

Beyond aesthetics, functionality plays a crucial role. Many luxury small chess tables incorporate thoughtful features such as:

  • Hidden storage drawers for chess pieces
  • Felt-lined compartments to prevent damage
  • Foldable or detachable legs for flexibility
  • Ergonomic table height for comfortable play

These features enhance usability while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance, essential for modern luxury interiors.

A Statement Piece for Interior Design

Interior designers increasingly incorporate chess tables into curated spaces as statement accents. A small chess table with a luxury finish complements a variety of design styles, including:

  • Contemporary minimalism
  • Classic European interiors
  • Art-deco inspired spaces
  • Modern Indian luxury homes

Placed beside a leather armchair or beneath soft ambient lighting, it creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation, contemplation, and connection.

The Perfect Gift for Connoisseurs

Luxury chess tables make exceptional gifts for:

  • Corporate leaders and executives
  • Chess enthusiasts and collectors
  • Housewarming or milestone celebrations
  • Luxury lifestyle gifting

Their blend of intellectual symbolism and artistic craftsmanship makes them meaningful, memorable, and enduring.

Sustainability and Ethical Craftsmanship

Many premium manufacturers now focus on responsibly sourced wood to uphold sustainability, reducing carbon footprint and eco-conscious finishing processes. Choosing a luxury small chess table crafted by skilled artisans supports traditional craftsmanship while promoting sustainability with virtually no impact to the environment with net zero manufacturing processes. Chasing luxury doesn’t mean compromising on the reduction of your carbon footprint goals.

Why Invest in a Luxury Small Chess Table?

Investing in a high-end chess table is not limited to just owning furniture but rather about embracing a lifestyle that values patience, beauty, and carefully crafted design. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, luxury tables retain their value, aesthetic appeal, and emotional significance over time because the material is handpicked and craftsmen craving each piece with intricacies that it deserves. 

They encourage moments of calm in an increasingly fast-paced world, inviting players to slow down, think strategically, and enjoy the art of the game. Enthusiasts often favour premium furniture crafted by skilled artisans, such as the pieces available from dedicated chess stores. Finely made chess tables can also be found on marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, as well as from specialist retailers such as Royal Chess Mall, known to integrate traditional workmanship with contemporary design sensibilities.

Final Thoughts for a Luxury Finish Small Chess Table

A small chess table with a luxury finish is a refined expression of taste, intellect, and craftsmanship. Compact yet commanding, it fits seamlessly into modern living spaces while offering the timeless charm of a classic game. Crafted for discerning tastes, it stands as a symbol of elegance, where every move is made on a surface designed with intention and excellence.

myFirst 3DPen Make Review

The  myFirst 3dPen Make – The ultimate 3D Pen for Kids! Let your child’s creativity soar with our 3D Pen Starter Kit! Perfect for kids aged 5 to 13 who have a passion for art and crafts.

You can watch their ideas come to life or your own ideas as it is fun to use and get creative with lightning-fast solidification thanks to the low-heat filament. No need to wait around – it dries in a flash! And the best part? It’s non-adhesive and super easy to clean up.

Worried about safety? Fear not! The myFirst 3dPen Make is safe to touch. The inner device’s heat stays where it belongs, keeping those little hands cool and comfortable. Plus, our filament is made from PCL materials that are gentle to the touch and harmless.

Unleash your child’s artistic potential with a 3D Pen that’s not only fun but also safe and easy to use. Let the 3D Pen adventures begin – it’s time to bring their drawings to life!

Features:

  • Rechargeable Battery
  • Safe to Touch
  • Rapid Solidification
  • Easy To Use
  • Wireless Operation

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myFirst Sketch Pro Neo Colour LCD sketch pad review

The myFirst Sketch Pro Neo Colour LCD is a no nonscence ready to go out of the box solution for your kids to get creative and is affordable robust and simple to use with no set-up reequired which is simply great for parents and kids alike.

Built to Last: Designed with rounded rubberized corners, it is the perfect companion for out-and-about kids. The large format screen allows you to take school notes, scribble thoughts, and sketches, tic-tac-toe, and many more.

Pen On Paper Experience: The mixture of real writing experience on paper and smooth writing experience on Colour LCD Sketch Pad.

Anti Glare & Clear Screen: Your artwork will look clearer and gives the user a smoother writing or drawing experience.

Portable for On-the-Go Works: The Sketch Pro Neo is so portable that it is a must-have for your child, at home, school, or even the park!

Premium Leather Case: Look stylish and keep your Sketch Pro safe, anytime, anywhere. Check the video below for more.

Features:

  • Large sketching area with a 10” LCD screen
  • Zero delay writing experience
  • Comes with a stylus for pressure-sensitive sketching
  • Reusable with a one-key eraser
  • Lock switch to prevent accidental drawing
  • Low power consumption
  • High Contrast Luminescent
  • Non-Radiative
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Durable Design for Kids
  • myFirst Sketch Pro neo
  • 1 x Stylus
  • 1 x Stylus string
  • Premium leather case
  • CR2032 battery included
  • User manual

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The Giant to Launch U.S. Tour in Las Vegas

The Giant Attractions Company Limited today announced the highly anticipated U.S. debut of The Touring Giant, a breathtaking fusion of art, engineering, and immersive storytelling. The seven-storey tall moving statue, covered in next-generation video LEDs, will premiere this autumn in Las Vegas, kicking off a multi-city tour of the United States.

Simultaneously, plans are advancing for The Giant in Dublin, following the completion of a feasibility study conducted by PwC and co-founded by Dublin City Council and Enterprise Ireland.

The Touring Giant stands on a custom-built stage, flanked by massive LED video walls and connected to one of the world’s most advanced scanning and content systems. Throughout the day and evening, visitors experience a spectacular fusion of light, motion, and sound, featuring digital storytelling, iconic cultural moments, and real-time activations. The attraction is set within an immersive, festival-style environment complete with themed food and beverage offerings, retail, AR/XR games, artistic installations, and unforgettable interactive features.

”The Giant is unlike anything the world has seen,” said Paddy Dunning, CEO of The Giant Company. “It speaks, sings, recites poetry, and transforms into historical figures and celebrities. It is a magnet drawing people back into the city, an attraction, a show, a civic landmark, and a global branding platform. Most of all, it’s a celebration of human creativity built to inspire, promote the advancement of human potential and positive messaging. We are thrilled to bring The Touring Giant to the U.S., and proud that Dublin will soon host a Giant as well.”

Each visitor pays an admission fee to enter The Giant. The standard ticket includes The Giant Experience, an immersive walkthrough exploring giants from legend and mythology to local heroes, and global gamechangers, followed by The Giant Show – a 30-minute digital spectacular – created by award winning U2 video director, Richie Smith, where the Giant and artistic magic come to life through next-generation animation, motion graphics, dynamic storytelling, and interactive features.

Guests can upgrade for The Selfie Experience, where they are scanned and mapped onto The Giant’s face and surrounding screens resulting in the world’s most awe-inspiring selfie.

“We are entering a new era where public art, storytelling, and technology converge to create living monuments,” said Eric Fraad, Director of Development. “The Giant is not just seen, it is experienced. Every show is a cultural dialogue, powered by AI, human imagination, and groundbreaking engineering. It redefines what is possible in civic engagement, interactive entertainment and brand celebration.”

The Giant brings a bold new dimension to brand storytelling, offering unmatched opportunities for immersive activations. Sponsors can align with deeply emotional, visually stunning content on a platform capable of real-time customisation, interactivity, and social sharing at a scale that exceeds even the most ambitious experiential venues.

The U.S. tour will include multiple high-profile stops following the Las Vegas premiere aligning with major sporting and entertainment events and national celebrations including, the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, FI and the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Meanwhile, The Giant Company Attractions Limited is rolling out three formats of the attraction globally:

  • The Permanent Giant : A 40–60-meter-tall, fixed installation. Visitors enter The Giant Experience Immersive Production to ascend and explore a panoramic viewing tower on the Giant’s shoulders.
  • The Touring Giant:  A 20–40-meter-tall modular version with immersive infrastructure, traveling to cities for temporary residencies and festivals.
  • The Indoor Giant:  A 15–20-meter-tall Giant installed in large indoor public venues with full scanning and visitor experience zones.

With intellectual property rights secured in the U.S., Europe, and key global markets including China, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, The Giant is positioned to become one of the most recognisable and admired visitor attractions worldwide.

 

Imagination and Jaguar redefine luxury through “Copy Nothing”

Global experience design agency Imagination has partnered with Jaguar to deliver “Copy Nothing” the first experiential moment of the brand’s bold new chapter, at Miami Art Week.
With activations in both Miami Design District and Art Miami, these experiences bring to life Jaguar’s new identity through immersive installations, curated gallery spaces, and cultural programming. The highlight of this moment is the unveiling of the Jaguar Type 00 Design Vision Concept, supported by an original film, light theatre, and soundscape.
“Copy Nothing” at Jungle Plaza, Miami Design District is open to the public 3-8 December 2024. This installation features three galleries showcasing art by British artists—Ibby Njoya, Campbell Addy, Yagamoto, and Patience Harding, represented by New School.
The “Copy Nothing” installation is interwoven alongside Highsnobiety’s Not in Miami programme, the lifestyle and media brand’s festival series that celebrates the culture of creative cities around the world through pop-ups, events, and collaborations. The programme will host art exhibitions, exclusive product releases, and live performances, further enriching the cultural experience.
At Art Miami, open to Art Miami ticket holders 3-8 December 2024, Jaguar presents a curated exhibition that showcases British creativity, featuring the works of Ibby Njoya, Campbell Addy, Yagamoto, Aaron Esh and Patience Harding. The exhibition features a series of galleries that invite attendees to explore the new brand world and brand codes.
These activations at Miami Art Week mark the beginning of Jaguar’s new global experiential programme, with plans to roll out additional cultural and art brand experiences in 2025. Imagination, Jaguar’s long-standing experiential partner, has played a pivotal role in crafting the Miami experience and the experiential roadmap of 2025, positioning the brand at the intersection of art, culture, and luxury.
Lisa Riordan, Creative Director, Imagination, said: “Through this partnership, we’re not just redefining Jaguar’s position in the luxury space; we’re establishing a new benchmark for how brands engage with culture and creativity on a global scale.���
Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar, said: “Our presence at Miami Art Week emphasises Jaguar’s purpose as an advocate for art, celebrating and elevating British creativity. Breaking with automotive convention, we are launching our new design vision in the heart of one of the most celebrated premier art festivals.”

Beta Festival, Ireland’s art and technology festival starts today

Featuring a robot that rolls its eyes at live social media algorithms, the opportunity to reduce emissions by distracting fossil fuel companies and digital tools that investigate real-life conspiracies, Beta runs until Sunday, November 17th at The Digital Hub and wider Dublin 8 area.
Co-founded and supported by The Digital Hub, Beta has announced a full line-up of artists, exhibitions, installations and workshops that will focus on the key theme of the relationship between technology and power, with specific focus areas including artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology.
In addition, a first-of-its-kind Assembly on AI and Art will bring together leading experts in technology and culture to discuss critical areas in the arts industry which are impacted by AI and should be considered for future policy developments. AI Ambassador for Ireland Patricia Scanlon will be among the facilitators leading discussions.
Cannes Film Festival winner Noire, the Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin will make its Irish debut at this year’s Beta Festival at the Samuel Beckett Theatre from Thursday, November 7th to Sunday, November 10th. Noire tells the real-life story of 15-year-old Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a segregated 1950s Alabama. The production uses virtual reality to provide viewers with an immersive digital experience. Tickets for Noire are limited and range from €15 – €22.
Beta will also host an international exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance, which will explore how digital systems and algorithms shape, influence and govern our daily lives. Curated by Aisling Murray and Nora O’ Murchú, the exhibition will feature artists including Basil Al-Rawi, Tega Brain and Sam Levigne, Firas Shehadeh, and Winnie Soon and Tzu-Tung Lee among others.
Separately, the Local Artists Network will spotlight emerging Irish artists with new work from Conan McIvor and new commissions from Aisling Phelan and Cailean Finn. Both exhibitions are free of charge and will run from Friday, November 1st to Sunday, November 17th. Additional workshops covering digital democracy, facial recognition technology and artist networking events are taking place over the two weeks and will be free of charge to attendees.
Events and exhibitions will take place predominantly in buildings across The Digital Hub campus, including iD8 Studio, The Bank and wider Dublin areas including Pallas Projects Studios, Fire Station Artists Studio and the Samuel Beckett Theatre.
Beta will officially launch on Friday, November 1st with events including the Assembly on AI and Art, keynote from Abeba Birhane as well as free workshops and panel discussions.
The conference over the opening weekend will cover topics from digital activism to immersive storytelling, algorithmic resistance and future archives. Tickets for the conferences are available to purchase from the Beta website from €15 – €25.
Key highlights from the weekend will include:
  • Samuel Beckett Theatre will host performances from Noire, an immersive virtual reality performance that tells the story of Claudette Colvin who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in the 1950s segregated Alabama. Directed by Stéphane Foenkinos and Pierre-Alain Giraud.
  • The Ethics Studio, a space for members of the public to engage with real ethical concerns and potential real-world impacts of new and emerging technologies developed with the festival research partner ADAPT Research Centre. This will include The Bigger Picture – an exhibition of new commissions that challenge outdated tropes and offers a more grounded, realistic portrayal of AI.
  • Keynote talks from Kay Watson, Head of Arts Technologies at London’s Serpentine Gallery and Abebe Birhane, who is a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s AI Advisory Body and was featured in the TIME 100 Most Influential People in AI list.
  • International exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance, which will explore how algorithms and technology influence and impact our daily lives, with work including Cold Call, a call centre that reimagines carbon offsetting by encouraging viewers to call fossil fuel companies and distract them for as long as possible, delaying carbon-emitting activities.
The opening will take place on Friday, November 1st with a preview of the exhibition at The Digital Hub, with a reception supported by Diageo Ireland.
Aisling Murray, co-founder and director of Beta Festival, commented:
“In a moment where much of our interaction with the world is mediated by screens and dominated by AI-driven narratives —both utopian and dystopian—Beta aims to create a space where people can come together to critically explore the complexities of our digital culture. This year’s festival brings together artists, researchers, and technologists to examine the power dynamics embedded in new technologies and offer alternative approaches to how we engage with them. Through exhibitions, workshops, and discussions, we hope to empower the public with a sense of agency, encouraging them to question, resist, and rethink the platforms that shape our daily lives.
Ireland is uniquely positioned at this intersection of art, research, and technology, with a wealth of creative talent and intellectual rigor, alongside some of the world’s leading tech companies. By bringing these diverse voices into conversation, we aim to spark meaningful public engagement with the critical issues surrounding technology today. I am so grateful to The Digital Hub for supporting this project and seeing its value and relevance and am excited for this year’s edition.”
Fiach Mac Conghail, co-founder of Beta Festival and CEO of The Digital Hub, added:
“The Digital Hub has a strong track record of supporting digital technology industries, creative enterprises and community learning programmes in our Dublin 8 community and wider area. Beta aims to be a culmination of activities within the Liberties campus and act as a starting point to foster discussions on how we can make complex technologies more accessible and tangible for all communities. Beta’s programme for 2024 gives us a prime position to further these objectives and create a meaningful impact with communities interested in art and technology. We are delighted to see the return of Beta following its successful first year and look forward to seeing the work of many great artists and greet the visitors that join us for the festival from November 1st.”
The Digital Hub and Aisling Murray are being supported in its preparations for Beta by Science Week, Ambassade de France en Irlande and Institut Français, British Council, ADAPT Research Centre, Smart Dublin, Fire Station Artist’s Studio, Creative Futures Academy, The Arts Council and Pallas Projects.
Beta Festival will kick off Friday, 1st November with a variety of events and exhibitions during that time with the centrepiece exhibition, Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance and additional events at The Digital Hub running until Sunday, 17th November.
To find out more about Beta Festival 2024 and how to purchase event tickets, visit https://2024.betafestival.ie/

Beta Festival announces programme including award-winning XR performance Noire, conference featuring Abebe Birhane and international exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm

Beta, Ireland’s festival of art and technology, will return for its second edition with a focus on interrogating the relationship between power and technology, examining how digital tools influence society and how we can take agency back in their use.

Co-founded and supported by The Digital Hub, Beta will return from 1st to 17th November and will feature a series of events including two exhibitions, several interactive workshops, performances, a thought-provoking conference, and an assembly focussed on artificial intelligence and art.

Cannes Film Festival winner Noire, the Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin will make its Irish debut at this year’s Beta Festival. Directed by Stéphane Foenkinos and Pierre-Alain Giraud, Noire tells the real-life story of 15-year-old Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a segregated 1950s Alabama through an immersive and encapsulating digital performance showing the power of storytelling through technology. Noire is presented by The Digital Hub, the French Embassy in Ireland and Institut Francais, as part of the official Novembre Numérique programme, and is supported by Smart Dublin.

This year, Beta will host two exhibitions: the first Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance, is an international exhibition curated by Aisling Murray and Nora O’ Murchú. Featuring artists including Irish-Iraqi artist Basil Al-Rawi, Tega Brain and Sam Levigne, Firas Shehadeh, Winnie Soon and Tzu-Tung Lee, Nora Al Badri and !Mediengruppe Bitnik among others, the exhibition will explore how digital infrastructures and algorithms shape, influence and govern our daily lives. Separately, the Local Artists Network will spotlight emerging Irish artists with new work from Conan McIvor, Aisling Phelan, Cailean Finn, and more.

Among these installations will be the interactive artwork Boogaloo Bias, which explores the dangers of unregulated use of facial recognition technology particularly among law enforcement. Created by Jennifer Gradecki and Derek Curry, the project examines the practice of ‘brute forcing’, where law enforcement substitutes images of celebrities resembling suspects when high-quality images are unavailable and explores themes of accountability and bias in automated systems.

Keynote addresses by cognitive behavioural scientist and member of the UN’s AI Advisory Board Abebe Birhane and Head of Arts Technologies at London’s Serpentine Gallery Kay Watson will be delivered at the conference, while several workshops, discussions and think-ins will be hosted by ADAPT research centre, the Creative Futures Academy, Fire Station Artists’ Studios and Creative Spark during the festival.

Key highlights for the festival will include:

  • Noire, the Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin tells the real-life story of the 15-year-old who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a segregated 1950’s Alabama in a near-mirror event to that of Rosa Parks, told through an immersive digital performance. Noire won the inaugural award for Best Immersive Experience at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and the production is brought to Ireland by the Beta Festival and The Digital Hub, in association with the French Embassy and Institut Francais, and is supported by Smart Dublin. Noire will make its Irish debut at the Samuel Beckett Theatre from 7th – 10th November.
  • Assembly on Art and AI will bring together AI researchers, policy makers, cultural leaders and artists to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on arts and culture and identify challenges and opportunities to fuel a rolling agenda of areas to consider when creating policy centred on AI.
  • Cold Call, a call centre created by Tega Brain and Sam Lavigne that reimagines carbon offsetting, by transforming the concept of time theft – a form of resistance where employees deliberately slow productivity – into a carbon-saving strategy aimed at high-emission companies. Through the call centre, viewers are encouraged to call fossil fuel companies and distract them for as long as possible, delaying carbon-emitting activities.
  • Keynote discussions by Head of London’s Serpentine Gallery Kay Watson and UN’s AI Advisory Board Abeba Birhane, encompassing AI’s potential benefits and proven risks

The official opening will take place on Friday, 1st November at The Digital Hub in Dublin 8.

Aisling Murray, co-founder and director of Beta Festival, commented:

“I am thrilled that Beta is returning for its second year and very grateful for the continued support from co-founders The Digital Hub and funders Science Week. It has been an exciting opportunity to work with Nora O’ Murchú on curating our international exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm, which complements this year’s programme that showcases some of Ireland’s most exciting art and technology offerings and gives audiences a chance to explore international best practice of new technologies. The outstanding XR performance Noire will be a highlight of our programme and is the best integration of immersive technology with storytelling that I have come across, which I cannot wait to share with audiences.

Fiach Mac Conghail, co-founder of Beta Festival and CEO of The Digital Hub, added:

“At The Digital Hub, we always consider the impact of emerging innovations in technology on our society. We provide a creative and safe space for audiences to understand these developments in a tangible and meaningful way. We believe that artists can assist us in this understanding and this year’s programme at Beta is no exception. Through an invigorating programme of important artworks, workshops, innovative keynote speeches and engaging performances, we are in a position to offer this insight and consideration to our communities at The Digital Hub. We are excited to launch the 2024 edition of Beta festival on 1st November and look forward to seeing the great work of so many artists and the visitors that join us over the two weeks.”

The Digital Hub has a strong track record in supporting digital technology industries, creative enterprises, and community learning programmes in Dublin 8 and beyond. Beta is aimed to be both a culmination of various activities within the Liberties campus, as well as a starting point for further discussion on how to make complex technologies more accessible to communities.

The Digital Hub and Aisling Murray are being supported in its preparations for Beta by Science Week, Ambassade de France en Irlande and Institut Francais, British Council, ADAPT Research Centre, Smart Dublin, Fire Station Artist’s Studio, Creative Futures Academy, The Arts Council and Pallas Projects.

Beta Festival will kick off from Friday, 1 November with a variety of events and exhibitions during that time with the centrepiece exhibition, Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance and additional events at The Digital Hub running until Sunday, 17 November.

Tickets for Noire are available from 12pm, Thursday October 3rd and are available to purchase at https://2024.betafestival.ie/.

Portal Art Installation will connect Dublin to New York in Real-Time

A ground breaking public art installation known as ‘The Portal’ is set to form a visual bridge between New York City and Dublin, launching this May.

‘The Portal’ installation is part of programme of events that will be taking place as part of Dublin’s recent designation as European City of Smart Tourism 2024. The official handover will take place this evening in the CHQ in Dublin city-centre.

Conceived by Lithuanian artist and entrepreneur Benediktas Gylys, these Portals are an invitation to meet fellow humans in a way that transcends borders and differences to experience our world as it really is – united and one. The livestream of Portals provides a window between distant locations, allowing people to meet outside of their social circles and cultures.

‘The Portal’ in Dublin will be installed facing the capital’s main street, O’Connell Street and will capture the iconic vista of both Dublin’s famous GPO building and the Spire together offering the public a real-time, visual livestream that connects these two iconic cities.

In New York City, the Portal will be installed on the Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, next to the famed Flatiron Building, and will be presented by the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in collaboration with the New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program (NYC DOT Art) and the Simons Foundation.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste announced the partnership, highlighting its importance as Dublin embraces the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024:

“As we celebrate our official handover for the EU Capital of Smart Tourism designation, the Portals project symbolises Dublin’s commitment to connecting not just within the EU but also with cities like New York, which we share a deep historical and cultural bond with. This project exemplifies the fusion of technology and engineering to bring communities from across the world closer together. One of our key objectives in Dublin is to improve innovation in tourism through a number of initiatives, and this project is an example of the exciting things to expect during 2024 and beyond.” 

James Mettham, President of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in NY commented:

“We are honoured to host the Portal’s North American debut on the Flatiron Public Plazas, at one of New York City’s most dynamic intersections. This real-time connection between two iconic public spaces in global cities on either side of the Atlantic will bring people together, both physically and digitally, becoming a captivating attraction for New Yorkers and visitors alike.”

Ya-Ting Liu, New York City Chief Public Realm Officer commented on the importance of the collaborative installation: 

“Two amazing global cities, connected in real time and space. That is something you do not see every day! We are so excited to have The Portal as a public interactive art installation, showcasing the vibrancy of our city streets and providing a new point for human connection between New Yorkers and Dubliners.  We thank the City of Dublin, NYC DOT Art Program, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, and the Simons Foundation for bringing this vision to life.” 

Benediktas Gylys, shared his perspective on the project’s significance:

“Portals aim to be a bridge to a united planet. I am grateful to the cities of Dublin and New York for pioneering innovation and welcoming their Portal sculptures, which is a significant milestone after years of work. From the initial two cities of Vilnius, Lithuania and Lublin, Poland, Portals are now expanding to be a global network. This is just the beginning and our team will continue bringing Portals to large cities and little towns of planet Earth.”

The ‘Portal’ New York City and Dublin Ireland connection will be from spring 2024 through the Autumn of the same year.  In addition to the real-time connection, there will be scheduled programming, including cultural performances at each city’s Portal that will be enjoyed by people in the other city via the livestream. Programming will kick-off in mid-May with a visual program to celebrate the New York Design Week Festival.

‘The Portal’ is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Dublin City Council, the EU Capital of Smart Tourism, Flatiron NoMad Partnership, Simons Foundation, DOT Art, and portals.org team.  Their support and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this visionary project to life.

For more information and to find out what’s happening and will be taking place in Dublin for the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism visit here.