10 years ago, Gray Area started the conversation in San Francisco around how the integration of art and technology practice could create a wiser, more creative, inclusive, and forward-looking approach to innovation and social responsibility. The Gray Area Festival is our flagship event advancing this dialog around the most consequential topics in technology today, using artistic inquiry to help understand their implications. Our exhibiting artists and speakers will address diverse topics such as understanding the role of women in the development of the internet, government surveillance, 3d scanning and the body, cultural heritage preservation, technology production in Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta, Afrofuturist strategies to technology development, new forms of distributed governance, new economic models for artists, and a broad spotlight on some of the most trending technologies: distributed ledgers and blockchains. This program confronts some of the greatest tensions in our society today and gestures toward ways to move beyond them.

The day-time programming is paired with incredible performance nights which feature a curated international lineup of electronic music and digital arts to further inspire audiences.

Now in its fourth edition, the Gray Area Festival is a unique global event focused on advancing open culture and the common good through holistic innovation and aesthetic practice. Our programming presents a survey of culture through the lens of art and technology, offering a deeper understanding of the present moment along with visions of the trails and opportunities ahead. Held at our Grand Theater in San Francisco's Mission district, the Festival highlights Gray Area's continued pursuit of integrated art and technology applied toward civic, educational, entrepreneurial, aesthetic, and social practice.

On Friday and Saturday mornings, we welcome festival pass holders for two full days of conference featuring talks and panels from leading international thinkers and practitioners for discussions that uncover art and technology’s impact on culture.

On Friday night of the Festival, Hundred Waters and Eartheater play live with visuals accompaniment. On Saturday night, Second Woman collaborates with Pfadfinderei for a live A/V show, Machinedrum plays live with a brand new set, Patricia brings his live hardware set with local favorite Layne for an evening of dancefloor-oriented tracks.

On Sunday, July 29th, the final day of the Gray Area Festival, join us for a selection of Creative Code workshops taught by ten talented instructors, recognized for actively shaping their fields and practices.

The Festival Pass includes entrance to Thursday night exhibition opening, Friday and Saturday Day Conference, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Night performances. Please note: the Festival Pass does not include entry to the Sunday Workshop Day. All sales are final: no exchanges or refunds.

Showcase Level

Network Level

Community Level