Since the first AWE in 2010, we have held the firm belief that art and immersive video are an essential source of inspiration for the XR industry. This year, we are "taking it to 11" with the inaugural AWE Art Festival and a new track dedicated specifically to Immersive Video and Art.
Art is a core pillar of our 2026 theme: “I, Spatial: Humans Empowered by Spatial AI.” While much of the conversation around AI focuses on efficiency and automation, our focus on art and immersive video is about something deeper: human agency and the unique power of the individual creator.
Why Art and Video Matter in an AI World
The rise of Generative AI has caused significant tension in the creative world, sparking fears that technology might abuse artists' copyright and ultimately replace the artist. At AWE, we see it differently. We believe AI is a partner that offers creators entirely new ways to build, explore, and share their vision.
Immersive art is the perfect medium to prove that humans belong at the center of technology. A machine can generate an image, but it takes a human to build a spatial narrative that truly moves us. By focusing on these creative fields, we are asserting that the spatial web must be built with a human-centric soul. This is the shift from "I, Robot" to "I, Spatial"—where technology serves to enhance, not replace, our capacity for expression.
The New AWE Art Festival: A Call for Creators
To give these voices the platform they deserve, we are thrilled to launch the brand-new AWE Art Festival at our 17th edition in Long Beach. This isn't just a gallery; it is a movement to show the world what happens when human creativity meets spatial tools.
We are looking for immersive videos and works that push the limits of narrative, interaction, and spatial design. If you are a creator working in XR, we want to see your vision on the biggest stage in the industry.
Submit to the Art Festival: The deadline for submissions is April 4th. This is a firm date, so we encourage artists, studios, and independent builders to apply early. Selected works will be featured prominently during the event, giving you direct exposure to thousands of industry leaders, investors, and fellow creators.
Recognizing Excellence: The Auggie Award for Best Art
In addition to the festival, we are continuing our tradition of honoring the best in the business through the Auggie Awards. This year, we have specifically highlighted the Best Art category. This award is unique because it recognizes both immersive and narrative art. We want to celebrate projects that don't just use tech for tech’s sake, but use it to tell a story or create an emotional connection that wouldn't be possible on a 2D screen.
New Agenda Tracks: Immersive Video and Art
For those looking to go behind the scenes and learn the "how" of this new creative era, we have introduced two major new tracks to the AWE 2026 agenda:
The Immersive Video Track: We are currently seeing an explosion of interest in this field, fueled by the launch of the Apple Vision Pro and the professional-grade capabilities of the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera. This track focuses on the technical and creative side of spatial video, volumetric capture, and storytelling.
The Art Track: This track dives into the philosophy and practice of spatial art. We will feature talks from experts navigating the intersection of AI and creativity, discussing everything from the ethics of AI tools to the future of immersive galleries and public art.
Experience the Art Festival on the Expo Floor
In Long Beach, we are creating a dedicated expo area for the Art Festival and the AWE Playground. This space will be the heartbeat of the creative community. You can try out the latest immersive narrative experiences, see how AI-powered art is created in real-time, and meet the artists leading the way. For companies and exhibitors, this area provides a unique look at how "creative" tech is often the precursor to "enterprise" tech.
A Personalized Path for Every Creator
Whether you are a developer building creator tools, an artist looking for a platform, or an executive looking for the next big thing in immersive entertainment, AWE 2026 provides a curated experience for you. We believe the spatial revolution needs more than just engineers; it needs the dreamers and the storytellers.
To ensure the creative community remains at the heart of the "I, Spatial" movement, all immersive artists are welcome at AWE with an exclusive discount.
Apply for an artist pass to AWE for just $199
Get Involved Now
Join us from June 15 to 18 in Long Beach, California. Let’s show the world that when it comes to the spatial web, "I, Spatial" means I am the creator, I am the storyteller, and I am the center of the experience.
- Submit to the Art Festival: Deadline April 4th.
- Nominate for an Auggie: Show the world your best immersive and narrative art.
- Apply for the deeply discounted artist pass
Build the future of art with us at #AWE2026.
AWE USA 2026
Long Beach, California
June 15 - 18, 2026
AWExr.com
