Beta is a new festival of art and technology, co-founded by Aisling Murray and The Digital Hub who have made an initial five year commitment to the festival. The inaugural edition took place in November 2023 where over 2 weeks Ireland’s research and digital art communities come together. 

Beta makes new technologies and complex themes accessible to the public and critically reflects on Ireland’s role as a global tech hub. Taking Ireland’s role as a central node in today’s networked world as a starting point this festival showcases and celebrates Ireland’s research and artistic communities through a combination of creativity, debate and experimentation. 

Beta allows members of the public to engage playfully and critically with new technologies, essentially beta testing ethical issues facing society public through exhibitions, screenings, panel discussions and workshops. The festival creates a network, international platform and anchor for the community of digital artists and researchers based in Ireland. Providing commissioning, upskilling, residency and mentorship opportunities as well as nurturing a creative pipeline and creating pathways for industry collaboration. 

The programme explores AI and creativity, immersive technologies and big ethical questions on diverse topics including the environmental impacts of our networked society, data equity, web3 and the third quantum revolution. 

Beta aims to: 

• Empower people in the way they think about and use new technologies. 
• Support and showcase Irish artists and researchers in art and technology.

The Digital Hub is managed by the Digital Hub Development Agency, a state agency set up by the Irish government in 2003 to run The Digital Hub and implement its enterprise and campus development strategy. It also facilitates and contributes to urban regeneration in the Liberties area and pilots projects that are vital to the ongoing development of the digital sector in Ireland. The Digital Hub campus is home to companies, organisations and individuals at the forefront of technology, digital media and the creative industries in Ireland.