AN international festival has been announced for York as the city looks to make the most of its UNESCO City of Media Arts status.
Mediale will be held in 2017 or 2018 and is planned as a biennal festival that will involve 100,000 people over 20 days. It will bring together digital artists, schools and performers to create 25 new commissions including “major light displays, interactive pavilions and exhibits that use the backdrop of York as a canvas”.
The UNESCO City of Media Arts team has also secured funding for a UK Trade & Investment mission to Austin, Texas, for the South by South West (SXSW) Festival, where representatives of York will meet with others in the media arts sector, and offer advice and guidance to the US city’s team who are also hoping to secure the prestigious UNESCO designation.
Chris Bailey, acting master of York’s new Guild of Media Arts, said: “York has a vibrant media arts sector, with many individuals and companies across the city applying technology to a wide range of art forms, from computer gaming to digital imaging, film making or creating stunning projections.
“Our UNESCO designation helps us to bring those people together under a common banner to better promote the skills that we have within York to a global audience – and this means not only taking our expertise out to the wider world, but also bringing the global focus onto our historic city.”
The plans, which were announced at an event held at the new £19m Hiscox building marking the first anniversary of York securing its UNESCO City of Media Arts status, have received Government support.
Minister of State for Business, Innovation & Skills (Digital Industries) Ed Vaizey said: “York is leading the way in its support for innovation and creativity in the digital arts and it’s great to see how they are showcasing this growing industry through its status as the first UK UNESCO City of Media Arts.”
