DGTL summer: House of Digitalization becomes a stage for media art
On July 17, 2026, the "DGTL SUMMER" will kick off at the House of Digitalization in Tulln. Initiated and organized by the Cultural Department of the State of Lower Austria, this two-week media art festival will explore the intersection of art and digital technology until July 30. An exhibition featuring works by Fanni Futterknecht, Volkmar Klien, and Marian Essl, also known as MONOCOLOR, along with a diverse accompanying program, will transform the House of Digitalization into a stage for media art, education, and discourse. Even the 311-square-meter LED screen will become an artistic tool.
"The DGTL SUMMER demonstrates how closely art, technology, and societal debate are intertwined today. Lower Austria boasts a vibrant media art scene. The House of Digitalization provides the ideal setting to make these artistic perspectives accessible to a broad audience," emphasizes Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.
Three Outstanding Positions in Media Art
Fanni Futterknecht, Volkmar Klien, and MONOCOLOR were awarded the Lower Austrian Culture Prize in Media Art in 2025. The exhibition, curated by Lisa Ortner-Kreil, demonstrates the diverse forms media art can take in 2026, yet a common thread is the interplay between the digital and the analog.
Fanni Futterknecht explores toy culture, its narratives, and fantasy worlds, presenting textile objects, sculptures, and video works. Volkmar Klien focuses on the process of inhaling and exhaling in an installation-based, sound-based piece. MONOCOLOR immerses the audience in a minimalist installation of spaces and sounds. The concept of "simulation" serves as a unifying theme.
Opening and Accompanying Program
The DGTL SUMMER will be opened by Provincial Councillor Anton Kasser on Friday, July 17, at 6 p.m. The highlight of the evening is a live audiovisual performance by MONOCOLOR. Afterwards, the opening will conclude with a DJ set, drinks, and snacks. Registration for the opening is open until July 15th and can be done via the Media Art Festival's "Opening" page.
At the "Monsters in Motion" animation workshop, children and teenagers between eight and twelve years old will explore toy culture and stop-motion animation techniques using iPads. The workshops will take place on July 23rd and 30th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Registration is handled by the Kunstmeile Krems art education department at +43 2732 90 80 10 or office@kunstmeile.at.
On Saturday, July 25th, curator Lisa Ortner-Kreil invites participants to a guided tour of the exhibition at 10:00 AM.
Artist Talk and Closing Event
The exhibition concludes on Thursday, July 30, at 6 p.m. with a closing event featuring an artist talk. Fanni Futterknecht and Volkmar Klien will speak with cultural and media scholar Felix Stalder and curator Lisa Ortner-Kreil about their artistic approaches and the challenges facing art and cultural institutions in the digital age.
"The House of Digitalization is dedicated to making digital developments directly tangible. At DGTL SUMMER, our 311-square-meter LED screen itself becomes an artistic tool. The combination of exhibition, performance, education, and discourse perfectly complements our offerings," emphasize Lukas Reutterer and Claus Zeppelzauer, Managing Directors of the House of Digitalization.
The exhibition is on view from July 18 to 30, 2026, Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the House of Digitalization, Konrad-Lorenz-Straße 10, 3430 Tulln an der Donau. Admission to the exhibition and participation in the events and workshops are free.