2nd Edition of the INDEX Art and Technology Biennial Starts Today in Braga

The 2nd edition of the INDEX Art and Technology Biennial returns to Braga from the 9th to the 19th of May. This event promises a reflection on the theme of “Coexistence” through a comprehensive program that includes performances, exhibitions, educational and participatory events.

With the artistic direction of Luís Fernandes, this edition features renowned artists such as Ryoji Ikeda, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Superflex, Kode9, Kyriaki Goni, dmstfctn with Evita Manji, Jonas Staal and Total Refusal.

With around 50 proposals, the biennial will take place in emblematic places in Braga, such as Theatro Circo, gnration, Mosteiro de Tibães, Museu Nogueira da Silva and Galeria do Paço – Rectory of the University of Minho.

Performances such as the new live-set Ultratronics by Ryoji Ikeda, the conference-performance “Air Pressure” by Lawrence Abu Hamdan, and the audiovisual show ASBU by Synspecies (Elias Merino and Tadej Droljc). In terms of exposition, works such as Empire’s Island by Jonas Staal and Hardly Working from the collective Total Refusal are present.

INDEX is not just limited to artistic presentations, but also addresses topics such as the integration of artificial intelligence in society, the political challenges of contemporary technologies and the importance of whistleblowing in exposing social, economic and political irregularities.

“The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 25th of April served as a motto for us to think about the meaning of freedom today, and the important role that technology plays in this definition. With the exploration of the idea of ​​Coexistence, we propose a broadening of the understanding of this same definition of freedom, which seems fundamental to us in the times we live in”, explained INDEX’s artistic direction.

The INDEX Art and Technology Biennial is an initiative by Braga Media Arts, promoted within the scope of Braga’s action plan as a UNESCO Creative City for Media Arts. It has the support of the Municipality of Braga and is promoted by the municipal company Teatro Circo de Braga EM SA.
Following the success of the first edition in 2022, INDEX continues to explore the relationships between art and technology, promoting dialogue, reflection and practice on emerging issues in these areas. This year, the emphasis is on “Coexistence”, at an intersection between art, technology, democracy and freedom.