Get ready to witness the future of art and technology collide in the heart of Manhattan! The Onassis Foundation is shaking things up with a bold expansion of its experimental art and tech studio, Onassis ONX, in Tribeca. But here's where it gets exciting: this isn't just a relocation—it's a doubling down on innovation, creativity, and the boundless possibilities of digital art. Opening in January with the multimedia exhibition TECHNE: Homecoming, this new space promises to be a game-changer for artists and tech enthusiasts alike.
Since its inception in 2020, Onassis ONX has been a beacon for artists pushing the boundaries of mediums like extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), and performance art. Operating out of its original 645 Fifth Avenue location, the studio has fostered collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the Lincoln Center, Pioneer Works, and the MIT Open Documentary Lab. Now, with a move to a 6,000-square-foot suite at 390 Broadway, ONX is poised to offer even more cutting-edge resources, including a larger motion-capture stage, a seamless three-wall projection room, and an expanded sound studio with high-fidelity capabilities. And this is the part most people miss: the space also features enhanced computational infrastructure, including a new server dedicated to AI and generative media, ensuring artists have the tools to bring their most ambitious visions to life.
TECHNE: Homecoming will spotlight groundbreaking works by artists like Andrew Thomas Huang (known for collaborations with Björk and FKA twigs), augmented reality pioneer Tamiko Thiel, and self-taught microbiologist Sister Sylvester. Together, they explore how identity is shaped by the intricate interplay of biology, mythology, and technology—a theme that’s both timely and thought-provoking. But here’s the controversial part: as art increasingly relies on advanced technology, are we losing the human touch, or are we simply redefining what it means to be creative? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Afroditi Panagiotakou, artistic director at the Onassis Foundation, aptly describes the move as “both continuity and transformation.” She emphasizes, “With this new, larger studio in Tribeca, we reaffirm our commitment to artists—offering them the tools, space, and community to create work that expands what art can be in the digital age.” This expansion isn’t happening in isolation; it’s part of a broader trend of art galleries and cultural spaces migrating to Tribeca, solidifying its status as a hub for innovation.
Adding to its global footprint, the Onassis Foundation recently launched Onassis Ready in Athens, Greece. Housed in a former factory, this experimental cultural space opened in October with a mid-career survey of photographer Juergen Teller, in dialogue with the nearby flagship space, Onassis Stegi. Panagiotakou reflects, “We call it a Factory of Dreams and Ideas, where ONX artists shape their visions and bring them to life. In New York and Athens alike, these spaces are made for artists to flourish, supported by people who believe in their work and the worlds they imagine.”
But here’s a question to ponder: As art and technology become increasingly intertwined, who gets to define what constitutes ‘art’ in the digital age? Is it the artist, the technologist, or the audience? Let us know what you think—this is a conversation worth having. Whether you’re a seasoned art aficionado or a curious beginner, Onassis ONX’s new Tribeca space is sure to inspire, challenge, and captivate. Mark your calendars for January and join the revolution!
