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MUTEK Montreal: Digital Creativity & Music Festival
Source: qcna.qc.ca
Published on September 28, 2025
Updated on September 28, 2025
MUTEK Festival Celebrates Digital Creativity and Electronic Music in Montreal
The 26th International Festival of Digital Creativity and Electronic Music, known as MUTEK, illuminated Montreal from August 19-24. This six-day event showcased a fusion of audiovisual performances, discussions, and innovative digital art, drawing over 120 artists from 26 countries to the Quartier des spectacles.
The festival featured 17 programs, including numerous world premieres, highlighting Montreal as a global hub for digital creativity and electronic music. Artists from diverse backgrounds presented their work, pushing the boundaries of sound and technology.
MUTEK Forum: A Platform for Digital Innovation
Running concurrently with the festival, the 11th MUTEK Forum took place from August 20-22. This three-day event served as a hub for digital creation, bringing together artists, researchers, technology experts, and curators from around the world. The Forum hosted a range of activities, including talks, workshops, masterclasses, and screenings, all focused on the intersection of art, technology, and science.
One standout session was “System Reboot,” presented by Encode Canada. This interactive skit explored AI’s role in shaping the future, with six youth representatives roleplaying scenarios with and without transparency and equity. Whi-Ming Joseph, a representative from Encode Canada, emphasized the importance of fostering discussions about AI ethics and sustainability.
The Forum’s keynote speaker was Cristóbal Tapia de Veer, known for his experimental compositions in Utopia, Black Mirror, and The White Lotus. Tapia de Veer shared insights into his creative process, emphasizing his approach to making vocals sound unique without relying on robotic effects.
Exploring the Future of Digital Art
The MUTEK Forum introduced new formats and collaborations, including demos from the AI Ecologies Lab. This residency program focuses on developing sustainable AI tools for digital arts, exploring how technology can enhance creative expression while promoting ethical practices.
The MUTEK Market was another key feature of the festival, providing a platform for Quebec and Canadian artists to connect with international presenters. This marketplace fostered networking opportunities, helping artists expand their reach and forge new collaborations.
Concordia’s Milieux Institute, the Applied AI Institute, and the Hexagram Network also contributed to the festival, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and labs. These initiatives invited the public to engage with AI, digital ritual, and feminist tech in playful and accessible ways.
Impact and Future Directions
The 26th MUTEK Festival underscored the growing influence of digital creativity and electronic music on global culture. By blending art, technology, and science, the festival demonstrated how innovative tools like AI and XR can shape the future of creative expression.
As the festival concluded, organizers reflected on its success and the importance of continuing to explore the ethical implications of technology in art. The MUTEK Festival and Forum not only celebrated digital creativity but also sparked critical conversations about sustainability, transparency, and the role of technology in shaping the future of art and music.