ISEA2026 Brings Digital Art and Immersive Experiences to Dubai
Discover ISEA2026 Dubai, a 10-day programme of digital art exhibitions, immersive installations, performances and workshops taking place across the city from 6 to 15 November 2026.
Image courtesy of ISEA2026
From interactive artworks and immersive installations to digital performances and projection mapping, ISEA2026 brings ten days of art and technology to venues across Dubai this November.
Art and technology take centre stage this November as ISEA2026 arrives in Dubai, bringing exhibitions, performances, talks, and workshops to venues across the city. Running from 6 to 15 November, the 31st International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art explores how technology is influencing the way artists create, experiment and connect with audiences.
What is ISEA2026?
ISEA is an international symposium dedicated to the intersection of art, science and technology, bringing together artists, researchers and creative practitioners to explore how emerging technologies are shaping contemporary artistic expression. This year's edition takes place under the theme ‘ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity’, with a programme combining in-person artistic experiences across Dubai and an online academic programme.
Where to Experience ISEA2026 in Dubai
The artistic programme will feature more than 100 shortlisted artworks, with exhibitions and experiences spread across 20 locations. Participating venues include Al Safa Art & Design Library, Etihad Museum, Kanvas and Foundry Gallery, alongside immersive experiences at ARTE Museum, performances at Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) and projection mapping at Al Wasl Dome.
One of the programme's interesting strands is ‘Evolving Calligraphy, Letter Art, Typography’, which looks at how traditional writing systems and calligraphic practices are being reinterpreted through digital and computational media. Its special feature, ‘Calligraphy to Code’, explores the relationship between heritage and technology, offering a contemporary perspective on an established art form.
Beyond the Exhibitions
There's plenty happening for those interested in the ideas behind the work. The academic programme includes more than 140 papers, over 40 artist talks and sessions, 15 workshops and 10 panel discussions. The New Media Art Summit will explore the changing relationship between artistic practice and digital networks, immersive environments, interactive media and artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, seven Eco Labs will consider the connections between ecological systems, technology and art.
Organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, ISEA2026 has attracted more than 1,000 submissions for its artistic programme, reflecting the international interest in this year's edition. For audiences, it offers an opportunity to discover different approaches to digital art and explore how technology is opening up new possibilities for creative expression.
With exhibitions, performances, and interactive experiences happening throughout Dubai, there is plenty to explore during the ten-day program.