Increasing complexity evokes a yearning on the part of many people for a simpler life, one that is more down-to-earth and rooted to one’s native soil. People long for simplicity in the traditional sense, and the opening event reflects this longing. Linz's industrial harbor and an old-fashioned paddle steamer form a mutually complementary, ready-made backdrop for the climax of the first day's activities and the big kick-off of the Festival week. Performances, interventions, music and visualizations ring in the Ars Electronica Festival.


On deck of the Schönbrunn, an old-fashioned paddle steamer docked in port
20:30 - 21:30 DJ Mao (AT); Visuals by Insomnia (AT)
21:30 - 22:30 MATMOS and Zeena Parkins (US)
22:30 - 01:00 ARK and KRIKOR (FR); Visuals by Karo Szmit (AT)

In the Schönbrunn’s salon
DJ’s Lena (AT) und Martin Klein (AT)

Harbor sightseeing cruise aboard the motorized yacht Eduard
We’ll also be offering festivalgoers the opportunity to soak up the nocturnal atmosphere of the Linz harbor during an approximately half-hour cruise aboard the Eduard. Sailors' chanteys aboard the motorized yacht Eduard: Donke/Zigon (AT)

Departures: 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 11:30 PM, 12:30 AM

Seating aboard the Eduard is, unfortunately, quite limited.

Due to the very limited number of parking spaces on the harbor grounds, we’ve arranged for free shuttle bus service. Meeting point: Hauptplatz Linz (Ars Electronica Infopoint on Linz’s Main Square) at 8 PM.
Light Show: Peter Thalhamer

This evening is curated by Manuela Pfaffenberger and the guest curator Andreas Hasch.
Light Show: Peter Thalhamer

In collaboration with LINZ AG and ÖGEG – Österreichische Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte and supported by Institut Français de Vienne, bureau export de la musique française in Berlin and Brau AG Linz.
Special thanks to Mag. Gregor Wöss – Leitung Hafen Linz, Ing. Helmut Müller – Vorstand Schönbrunn, Ing. Klaus Hoffmann – Management Schönbrunn and Klaus Bludau – Kapitän Schönbrunn