In August, Brazil’s leading art and technology event arrives in São Paulo for its 26th edition at the FIESP Cultural Center. The International Festival of Electronic Language (FILE) offers free admission to exhibitions, lectures, and symposia that will make you reflect on the relationship between humans and machines.
The festival is already at the forefront of the movement that connects art, technology, society, and science. Its main goal is to bring programmers, researchers, scientists, and educators closer to the general public.
As one of the most anticipated exhibitions in São Paulo this year, the show invites visitors to be not just observers, but also co-creators, actively participating in the proposed experiences—whether by playing games or entering immersive spaces.
Overall, the concept is simple: you participate and even influence the visual and auditory outcome of the works on display. This demonstrates that art and creativity can be a collective process involving humans, technological systems, and artificial intelligence.
Since the 2000s, Ricardo Barreto and Paula Perissinotto have organized the festival through a culturalNGO. The exhibitions have taken place in various Brazilian states and abroad, including Japan, Angola, and the U.S., but São Paulo remains FILE’s main hub.
What to Expect from the 26th Edition of the International Festival of Electronic Language – FILE
This year, the festival brings together 60 works by artists from 48 countries. The main exhibition, “INTER-CREATIVITY, ” explores how technology has become an active agent in our creative processes, moving beyond its role as merely an auxiliary tool.
In fact, the exhibition poses a thought-provoking challenge to recent discussions about AI replacing artists, encouraging reflection on humans and machines creating together. It also explores the limits and implications of this partnership.
Another highlight of the exhibition is demonstrating that, even though algorithms and artificial intelligence are capable of creating images, text, and sound, human elements prevail. And, above all, they prevent technology from silencing the artist’s voice.
One of the main works invites the public to experience creating a unique perfume based on memories and feelings. “Algorithmic Perfumery,” by artist and filmmaker Frederik Duerinck, allows visitors to provide information to formulate their own fragrance in partnership with AI.
The program is extensive and features dozens of interactive experiences. The exhibition also offers three free workshops, from August 20 to 22, aimed at researchers, programmers, and the interested public.
In short, the classes teach much more than just tools and usability: they invite participants to explore new ways of making art and to reflect on how technological changes affect our lives.
Make plans to check out the festival!
The International Festival of Electronic Language runs from August 20 to October 11 at the FIESP Cultural Center.
The art gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The digital art gallery, meanwhile, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free, and no advance ticket reservations are required.
