Explore the Boundaries of Art and Technology at the Videomedeja Festival.
Videomedeja is an international festival of new media that engages with important social and political themes through video art, installations, and performances. The festival brings together avant-garde artists from around the world and provides a platform for exploring the impact of new technologies on art and society.
Videomedeja – Art in Motion
Videomedeja is an international new media art festival held annually in Novi Sad, Serbia, since 1996. It is organized by the Video Art Association VIDEOMEDEJA as an independent, non-profit cultural event.
The festival brings together artists from around the world who push the boundaries of video art, digital creativity, interactive technology, and performance. Through a three-day program, Videomedeja showcases innovative artworks that use contemporary media for artistic expression, communication, and critical reflection.
What to Expect
Videomedeja is a meeting point for art, technology, and thought. The program spans a wide range of genres and formats:
- Screenings: video art, short films, digital animations
- Media Projects: media installations, XR/AR/VR, interactive works, performances, AI art, net art, Metaverse projects and more
The festival promotes experimental and subversive approaches, exploring identity, power, social norms, and the blurred boundaries between virtual and real worlds.
Awards
Videomedeja grants awards in both international and Serbian selections:
- Videomedeja Grand Prize – €1,000 for the most creative and innovative work
- Special Mention – awarded by the jury
- Audience Award – voted by the audience
- Bogdanka Poznanović Award – for the best work produced in Serbia
Selection & Criteria
Works are selected by the artistic committee based on:
- Originality and authenticity of expression
- Innovative use of media and technology
- Experimental and critical approach
- Audience engagement and social relevance
- Aesthetic and technical quality
- Practical feasibility for presentation
Festival Spirit
Each year, Videomedeja brings together artists, audiences, and volunteers from around the world. The atmosphere is vibrant, open, and informal – full of conversations, encounters, connections, and – of course – parties after the program.
Art is not viewed from a distance here. Videomedeja nurtures closeness and directness – it is a festival of encounters, exchange, and genuine dialogue. Art is not experienced only through the eyes, but through conversation, atmosphere, and human connection.
The festival also runs Videomedeja Medialab, a free online archive with more than 10,000 video works, available at videomedeja.com.
Videomedeja is not just an art event – it’s a space for new ways of seeing the world.
The festival welcomes all generations and cultures, creating space for the free exchange of ideas and visions.
All festival programs are free and open to the public. Welcome.
1. Promotion of digital art and culture:
- Presentation of the latest video works and new media pieces: The festival demonstrates a commitment to the most contemporary artistic trends and platforms.
- Stimulating innovative artistic forms: Videomedeja creates a space for experimentation and development of new expressive pathways in the digital era.
- Digitization and preservation of contemporary visual heritage: The festival contributes to the protection and promotion of digital art for future generations.
2. Development and education of the audience:
- International collaboration and intercultural dialogue: Videomedeja brings together artists and ideas from around the world, providing a platform for exchange and understanding.
- Education on contemporary art and digital technologies: The festival offers opportunities for all generations to expand their knowledge and critical thinking about art.
- Advancement of digital literacy: Videomedeja helps the audience develop the skills needed to engage with digital art and technology.
3. Improvement of the digital ecosystem:
- Support for the development of digital artistic tools and technologies: The festival contributes to the advancement of the field of digital art and its infrastructure.
- Promotion of innovative collaboration between artists and institutions: Videomedeja strives to create new models for supporting and presenting digital art.
- Development of the creative digital industry: The festival affirms the role of digital art in a broader cultural and economic context.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FESTIVAL
Videomedeja, a renowned European festival of new media, accomplishes the following:
- Transforms artistic practice: Videomedeja inspires artists to explore new media and expressions through video art, installations and performances.
- Connects cultures and people: The festival gathers international artists and audiences, creating a platform for understanding and celebrating diversity.
- Develops future creators: Through workshops and lectures, Videomedeja encourages the creative development and critical thinking of young artists.
Yugoslav Association for Video Art VIDEOMEDEJA (registered February 2nd 1998) and the Association of Independent projects – Apostrophe, in 1996 triggered International summit of female video – VIDEOMEDEJA, where only women authors could participate in the competition program. The program editor from that time, Balint Sombati, in 1999 introduces the male authors in the program of VIDEOMEDEJA. From 1998 to 2000, Director of the Festival and President of the Association was Vera Kopicl that voluntarily withdrew from her positions after 2000, and suggests Ivana Sremčević for President of the Association. One year later, in 2001, for the Festival Director and President of the Yugoslav Association for Video Art VIDEOMEDEJA was elected Ivana Sremčević. That same year, the concept of the Festival VIDEOMEDEJA was changed and male authors were allowed to compete for the competition part of the festival program. Since then, the festival has been open to all, regardless of gender difference that previously existed. The only limitations were, and still are, that works of art must be from the last two years in relation to the year of the entry call for VIDEOMEDEJA and selection committee will not take into consideration the works that contain abusive or offensive messages or content.
