Over the past few years, the Catalan government has taken significant steps to position the region as a leader in the digital realm. These efforts are reshaping the local creative landscape, underscoring a profound truth: the future of creativity lies at the crossroads of art and technology.

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The world is evolving. Creativity is no longer confined to paintbrushes or musical instruments—it thrives on screens, built on artifacts, in lines of code, and through immersive virtual experiences. Technology has become not only a tool but a medium of expression, a new language for storytelling, and a gateway to reimagining the world around us.

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Positioning Catalonia at the forefront of this revolution is no small feat. It requires bold decisions and a long-term vision from policymakers committed to fostering innovation and inclusion. As this digital wave continues, the regions that embrace it won’t just keep pace—they will define the future.

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At the heart of this transformation is Barcelona. A city where centuries of art, culture, and innovation converge, Barcelona has all the ingredients to become a global hub for digital creativity. Its rich cultural heritage, thriving tech scene, and vibrant community of artists and technologists make it uniquely suited to lead this charge.

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But this journey isn’t just about technology; it’s about people. It’s about the dreamers, the doers, and the visionaries who see the future not as a challenge to overcome but as an opportunity to create something extraordinary. Just as Gaudí’s surreal architecture redefined how we see the world, today’s digital creators have the potential to do the same—on a global stage.While Barcelona takes much of the spotlight, the digital creative movement is thriving across Catalonia. Initiatives like the New Art Foundation in Reus and Lo Pati in Amposta are creating spaces where creativity and technology intersect, helping to expand and strengthen the ecosystem. These projects are proof that collaboration between public and private sectors is essential for nurturing innovation.

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We’ve already seen remarkable examples of what this ecosystem can achieve: generative art by creators like Anna Carreras that pushes the boundaries of imagination, technological installations and artifacts by Mònica Rikić that challenge us to envision alternative futures, and globally celebrated video games like Neva by Nomada Studio, capturing hearts and awards alike. These successes are just the beginning. The seeds of a vibrant, world-class creative ecosystem have been planted. Now, we must tend to them.

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While these projects may be easy to recognize, many artists emerging from less traditional art circuits are producing innovative work, gaining international recognition, yet receiving little visibility from public administrations and local institutions. Greater effort is needed to provide opportunities for these individuals, who are earning significant reputations among their peers in specific fields.

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To realize Catalonia’s potential as a leader in digital creativity, we need to do more. We need recognition, artists and creators deserve greater visibility and validation within institutions and beyond. We need more opportunities: more spaces for experimentation, collaboration, and professional growth, including galleries and museums. We need more equality and inclusion: everyone has a seat at the table. We need more art in education: creativity must be woven into our education system, nurturing the next generation of digital innovators.

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The road ahead won’t be easy, but what I witnessed at Plug and Play 2024 gives me hope. The talent, energy, and passion of this community make me believe that, together, we can make Catalonia not just a regional leader, but a global inspiration for how art and technology can transform our lives.

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List of exhibited artworks

Desilence Studio & Suzanne Ciani - The Rythm Of The Ocean
Anna Carreras - Llaçades Entrellaçades
shaderism - Touch Glass [Responsive Dreams 2024]
poperbu - Bitxo [Responsive Dreams 2024]
protozoo - Sendas [WIP]
Edu Prats - Wires [Responsive Dreams 2024]
Heeey - Monochronos [ArtBlocks]
Mekhno - Pols Creatiu

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Published: 2024-12-19
Author: Xavier Hernández (TGAM Founder)