Dubai: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has unveiled its preparations for the 31st edition of the International Conference on Digital and Emerging Arts (ISIA 2026) during its participation in the Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, Austria, which concludes today.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the official visit by a delegation from Dubai Culture to Austria aimed to explore collaborative opportunities and forge strategic partnerships with international creative institutions. The visit also sought to gain insights into the latest trends in art, technology, and society, reflecting Dubai Culture’s dedication to strengthening its presence on the global cultural stage and bolstering Dubai’s status as a global cultural hub.

Maitha Ali Al Balooshi, Director of Emerging Arts at Dubai Culture, presented Dubai’s plans to host the 31st edition of ISIA 2026, scheduled from November 6th under the theme “Yah: Arts Connecting Place, Data, and Identity.” The event will be a hybrid format, featuring both an arts program with city-wide events and an academic program accessible via digital platforms for remote participation.

Al Balooshi highlighted that the conference will host a distinguished assembly of artists, curators, experts, and specialists in digital arts globally. She stressed the significance of the event in facilitating knowledge exchange and opening new avenues for participants to explore innovative practices at the confluence of art, science, and technology, enhancing Dubai’s digital and emerging arts landscape.

The International Conference on Digital and Emerging Arts is a prestigious global arts event that annually gathers a diverse group of artists, designers, academics, and curators. Its objective is to investigate the intersections between art, science, and technology and envision the future of digital arts, aligning with Dubai Culture’s Digital Arts Roadmap goals to empower talent and advance digital infrastructure and education.