The Bright Festival is set to showcase the intersection of digital art, light design, and technological innovation from April 11 to April 13, 2025, at the Stazione Leopolda and The Social Hub in Florence. This year's festival promises to be a vibrant exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping the realms of creativity and artistic expression.
Co-founders Teresa Balestrieri and Luciano D’Agostini emphasize the festival's mission: "Our goal is to explore how technology can amplify human expression, generating new artistic and relational forms." This focus on the creative potential of AI, virtual reality, and immersive experiences will guide the selection of installations, artists, and conferences throughout the event.
At The Social Hub, attendees can expect a rich program of workshops, masterclasses, and talks led by industry experts, catering to students, professionals, and art enthusiasts alike. Over the three-day period, participants will delve into the latest technologies applied to art, design, and communication.
Meanwhile, the Stazione Leopolda will be transformed into a futuristic museum, featuring digital works, virtual reality experiences, and light and sound design from around the globe. This unique setting will not only highlight the innovative use of technology in art but also celebrate the contributions of electronic music and audiovisual performances.
The festival will place a special emphasis on visual artists and lighting designers who play crucial roles in the entertainment industry. Additionally, there will be dedicated spaces for cultural operators, museum professionals, and industry insiders to network and collaborate, fostering connections among those involved in the creative sectors.
Information and tickets for the Bright Festival can be found at brightfestival.com.
In another significant event, the We Make Future (WMF) fair will take place from June 4 to June 6, 2025, at BolognaFiere. This international fair focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Digital innovation, and it promises to be a hub for learning and networking among professionals in the field.
WMF has announced the first 42 training stages as part of a broader program that will include over 90 stages. With more than 1,000 speakers from around the world expected to attend, the event will cover strategic topics such as AI, innovative entrepreneurship, digital culture, and skill development in the digital-tech sector.
Cosmano Lombardo, Founder and CEO of Search On Media Group, which organizes WMF, stated, "Training has always been one of the fundamental pillars of WMF since its inception. With the announcement of the first 42 training stages and the first 160 speakers, we are embarking on a journey that will further enrich in the coming months." Lombardo underscored the fair's commitment to providing quality content that not only explores emerging trends but also offers inclusive, multidisciplinary, and international visions that meet the needs of professionals, companies, and global communities.
Among the topics for the initial stages are AI, Legal Tech, Social Media, and VC & Open Innovation. The program will include high-profile speakers such as Matt Navarra, a Social Media Consultant; Gunay Kazimzade, a Senior AI Consultant at Mercedes-Benz Consulting; and Mike Dee, CEO of Playstack.
AI will be a central theme of the fair, with sessions dedicated to its applications across various sectors, including health and creativity. Other key areas addressed will include Advertising, E-commerce, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Social Media.
The Mainstage at WMF will serve as the epicenter of the event, hosting keynote speeches, talks, interviews, artistic performances, and institutional moments. This space is expected to attract opinion leaders from technology, culture, and innovation, who will discuss current challenges and future opportunities.
Representatives from major tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM are anticipated to share their insights on technological solutions addressing global challenges. Esteemed figures from academic and institutional backgrounds will also contribute, providing advanced perspectives on research and innovation.
Among the social issues to be discussed, prosecutor Nicola Gratteri will address the fight against organized crime, offering a unique perspective on the current situation and ongoing efforts.
With the 2024 edition of WMF witnessing over 70,000 attendees from 90 countries, the event continues to establish itself as a pivotal international platform for digital and social innovation. It brings together key players, startups, investors, and institutions, fostering collaboration and investment opportunities.
Search On Media Group, established in 2004, aims to spread digital culture by managing communities and supporting strategic consulting activities. The company organizes WMF and other educational events, contributing significantly to the evolution of digital marketing and transformation.
For more information and press inquiries regarding WMF, interested parties can contact [email protected] or call 051 0951294.
