In short
- Renowned arts and technology expert Alain Thibault, founder of ELEKTRA (Montréal, Québec), has been appointed Artistic Director of UNFOLD X 2026.
- The festival strengthens its international standing by inviting a globally acclaimed curator and producer with over 30 years of experience in the international arts and technology scene.
- From November 26 to December 9, 2026, UNFOLD X 2026 will showcase internationally renowned artists and groundbreaking works at Culture Station Seoul 284.
- The festival is expanding its scope with the launch of the UNFOLD X PRIZE (working title), the first of its kind in Korea, and the introduction of a new category for Screen-Based Media Art.
About
The Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture (President Hyeong-jong Song) has appointed Alain Thibault, Artistic Director of Montréal-based ELEKTRA (Québec, Canada), as Artistic Director of UNFOLD X 2026, Seoul’s technological arts festival.
UNFOLD X is a technological arts festival with a 17-year history, tracing its origins to the Da Vinci Idea open call in 2010, evolving through the Da Vinci Creative program in 2014 before adopting its current form. Each year, the festival responds to rapid technological advancements and social shifts by fostering a new paradigm of ‘art that inspires technology.’ Today, it stands as one of Korea’s leading international art festivals and a distinct platform for innovation at the intersection of art, science, and technology.
To solidify the festival’s international status and strengthen its ties with the global technological arts ecosystem, the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture has appointed Alain Thibault as Artistic Director for its 2026 edition. His appointment follows the outstanding leadership of the renowned media art collective Kimchi and Chips, who served as Artistic Directors in 2025.
Alain Thibault has maintained strong ties with South Korea for many years. His collaborations include co-curating the HYUNDAI X ELEKTRA: METAMORPHOSIS exhibition (2020) with Hyundai Motor Company, serving on the international programming committee for ISEA 2025, and acting as a strategic partner and international consultant for UNFOLD X from 2020 to 2025. Through these roles, Alain Thibault has consistently served as a bridge between Korea’s creative community and the global technological arts ecosystem.
UNFOLD X aims to expand its international reach by fostering dialogue, connections, and a shared vision that transcends national and cultural borders.
The open call results and official program announcements will be shared in phases on UNFOLD X’s official website and social media channels.
