REFRESH 2025

REFRESH running from October 2—5, 2025 deals with the intersection of Arts, Design & Technology. Under the theme «Futures of Uncertainties», the sixth edition of the festival – featuring keynotes, exhibitions, masterclasses, screenings and performances – will bring together designers, artists, and researchers from Switzerland and abroad to explore possible futures for design and the arts. REFRESH is primarily devoted to the topics «Algorithmic Entanglements», «Liminal Bodies», «Worldbuilding», «Immersive Journalism», and «Technobiological Futures / New Ecologies». These themes reflect the spirit of the times, questioning the role of creative practitioners in a hyper-connected, data-flotted world.

REFRESH is a collaboration between the Department of Design and the Immersive Arts Space of the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK).

TEAM

Head of REFRESH
Prof. Dr. Chris Salter
Maike Thies

Curation
Maike Thies

Identity / Motion Design
Abhash Mittal

Scenography
Stephan Wespi

Technical Manager
Stefan Kraft

Communication & Public Relations
Maike Thies
Anna Tschopp

SPECIAL THANKS TO
Prof. Dr. Chris Salter
Corina Zuberbühler
Prof. Marijke Hogenboom
Prof. Hansuli Matter
Prof. Dr. Anna Lisa Martin-Niedecken
Ivana Kvesić

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