ART+TECH Festival [2026] - FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ART+TECH Festival?
The ART+TECH Festival is a global creative playground where artists, technologists, designers, and curious humans come together to co-imagine the future of our shared humanity. Across online and in-person experiences, we explore The New Human — how bodies, minds, and societies evolve with technology, not as spectators but as active participants.
What is a Creative Hackathon?
It’s where ideas begin—but it doesn’t mean writing code. For us, a creative hackathon means expressing an idea in your own medium: images, video, sound, performance, sculpture, poetry, installations, or forms that don’t yet have a name. Code is welcome—but not expected. What matters is the creative use of art and technology, and a connection to The New Human theme.
What is The New Human?
It’s the main theme for the 2016 ART+TECH Festival. We invite experiments, encounters, and shared reflection—through art, technology, and human presence. Imaging together The New Human in ten years (2036)
Who can participate?
Everyone with curiosity and creative spark is welcome.
Whether you’re building art, writing code, sculpting ideas, asking questions, mentoring, or simply listening deeply — there’s a place for you. No prior experience is required. [signup]
How do I join or sign up?
Register through the main Creative Hackathon page. Signing up connects you to our community channels and gives you program updates. [signup]
Will the participants work in teams?
Yes — collaboration is the heart of this festival.
We recommend at least two people per team so that multiple perspectives can shape what you create. But if you’re coming alone — that’s great too: before the hackathon we host Aperitivos and publish project posts so you can meet people, join ideas, or find teammates. [sign up]
I do not have team yet, or looking for more team members to help, can I join?
Yes. We still encourage you to sign up, we will have Aperitivo events before the Hackathon and publishing posts about other project proposals, for you to learn and potentially join a team or look for members to join you at The New Human at the Hackathon.
Can I join with my own idea?
Yes! Got an idea already? Bring it to the hackathon. We encourage early sharing, publishing your proposals on the CODAME Hacks space, to spark connections and invites collaborators. [sign up]
Are projects proposals for the Hackathon required to be published?
Publishing on CODAME Hacks is optional but encouraged for visibility, collaboration, and early feedback. You can find some projects, more to come [here]
Can I get mentorship?
Absolutely — mentorship can happen before, during, or after the hackathon. Check out our list of mentors and connect early. Check our Mentors [here]
How will projects be presented?
Each team will demo their work to the world — both live and online. Expect an exhibition-style sharing that celebrates both process and insight.
Is it a presentation or an exhibition?
Both — and more.
Aperitivos are warm, informal gatherings to dive into The New Human theme, meet people, and spark inspiration. The hackathon itself culminates in presentations that are exhibited to a global audience, online and in person.
Is there funding to develop projects?
We’re actively working to secure sponsors and will share any support with teams when available.
What happens after the hackathon?
Selected projects continue into Milano Art Week + Design Week — and journeys extend to San Francisco and Shanghai. These stages are opportunities to grow ideas into installations, performances, and ongoing collaborations. Check out the full program [here]
Can I participate if I’m not in Milan?
Yes! Many parts of the festival — including the hackathon, aperitivos, community spaces, and some events — are available online. The experience travels with you. Also, after Milano Art Week and Design Week, the show will be followed by San Francisco and Shanghai events. and more cities might be announced soon… Check out the full program [here]
How to Make the Most of This Experience
We see the festival as a living cultural R&D experiment — not a contest, but a community in motion. Show up with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from others. If you have skills or time to share, reach out — collaboration ignites possibility.