VRHAM! is back, and welcome first Biennial for Digital and Immersive Art

Mathieu G.

VRHAM!, Hamburg’s leading festival for Virtual Reality art, is evolving and will debut as an independent biennale, redefining the landscape of digital and immersive art. From June 11–18, 2025, VRHAM! – Digital and Immersive Art Biennale will transform Hamburg’s Oberhafenquartier into a global hub for art, technology, and innovation.

Under the theme “Rethink Art!,” VRHAM! will present visionary digital artworks and interactive experiences that challenge perspectives on contemporary art. With this bold new direction, VRHAM! becomes the world’s first curated biennale format dedicated to exploring a diﬀerent genre of digital art with each edition. The 2025 launch will focus on the intersection of Visual Arts and immersive technologies, followed by themes such as Dance & Performance (2027) and Film & Moving Image (2029) in future editions.

Digital art is evolving at a rapid pace and transcending the boundaries between genres. With the VRHAM! Digital and Immersive Art Biennale, we are creating a format that brings together artists, curators and a broad audience alike: for in-depth artistic experiences and an international exchange on the future of digital art.

Ulrich Schrauth, Artistic Director of VRHAM!

International Highlights and an immersive experience: At the heart of VRHAM! – Digital and Immersive Art Biennale is a groundbreaking immersive exhibition, spanning multiple locations across Hamburg’s Oberhafenquartier. Showcasing cutting-edge digital works at the intersection of painting, sculpture, AI art, photography, light art, and virtual reality, the exhibition will feature internationally renowned artists alongside emerging talents. The first names will be announced in April.

Visitors can look forward to interactive VR experiences, site-specific installations, and a Games Lounge exploring the fusion of gaming and art. The program is further enriched by talks and panels with leading experts, as well as a Digital Art Delegation, reinforcing Hamburg’s position as a global hub for digital art.

DIGITAL ART LAB: As part of VRHAM! 2025, the successful format of the Digital Art Lab will be hosted in Hamburg. Supported by DKB Stiftung and in cooperation with CAA Berlin, the Lab will feature a diverse programme of panels, talks, and workshops focusing on digital and immersive art. Curator Peggy Schoenegge is spearheading the programme, bringing in her expertise in mediating digital art from the contemporary context. Digital Art Lab premiered successfully during Berlin Art Week in 2023, and now VRHAM! brings this platform for interdisciplinary exchange to Hamburg.

Hamburg as Digital Art Hub: Moving to biennale format, VRHAM! is fostering Hamburg’s role as an internationally recognized epicenter of innovation in art and technology. This is made possible with the generous support from the Hamburg Ministry of Culture and Media, alongside other dedicated partners. Since its founding in 2018, VRHAM! has established itself as a leading festival for virtual reality and immersive art, gaining worldwide recognition – with international showcases in Venice, Miami, and Moscow, as well as a growing creative community featuring world-renowned artists such as Jonathan Meese, Tamiko Thiel, Mary Sibande, Sabrina Ratté, and Dani Levy.

@ Dabatase

@ Magazine

“We are fighting to put creativity before technology” – Camille & Marc Lopato (Diversion)

In 3 years, the company founded by Camille and Marc Lopato is operating as VR spaces creators for festivals (Venice VR, IDFA Doclab…) (...)

“We formatted the project in such a way as to appeal to the widest possible audience” – Lui Avallos (QUEER UTOPIA: ACT 1 CRUISING)

Lui Avallos’ QUEER UTOPIA: ACT 1 CRUISING a queer man who is losing his memory recalls times from a public bathroom in his past, where he had experiences of danger, pleasure and shame. A project developed through the Biennale College,

Developing an international network of creative industries: the Villa Formose residency, between France and Taiwan

The development of the cultural and creative industries, particularly in terms of immersion and new media, owes much to the efforts of the French community’s international relays. Here we take a look at the French Office in Taipei, at the

“Music should be used as an interactive component for the viewer” – Cyrille Marchesseau (PAPER BIRDS)

Long before the global health crisis, French composer Cyrille Marchesseau (based in Bordeaux) was already used to working remotely. Whether for French, Argentinean or American productions, the author of the soundtracks for GLOOMY EYES, JAILBIRDS or PAPER BIRDS (among others)

“Encouraging an exhibition culture that helps new formats emerge” – Liz Rosenthal (Venice Immersive 2024)

Today’s announcement of the Venice Immersive 2024 line-up opens the door to our (frenzied) anticipation for this festival, which every year exceeds our expectations bringing something new and exciting to the audience and all those involved in the field. Between

“We must bring digital storytelling to a mass audience” – Andrés Jarach (FIPADOC Smart)

Andrés Jarach is a long-term narrative creator, who has explored many formats and directs - often with his lifelong accomplice Gordon (...)