Art Is Not a Thing

Ars Electronica presents Art Is Not a Thing, a podcast that moves beyond the gallery wall to explore how contemporary artists operate as essential researchers and provocateurs. Hosted by Hannah Balber and produced by Ana-Maria Carabelea, this series frames art not as static objects but as a dynamic process-a vital practice of questioning how we live, what we know, and what futures we might build. Each episode is a deep dive into a specific frontier where creativity intersects with pressing societal questions. You’ll encounter conversations around bio-art, where life itself becomes a medium, and sound art that reshapes how we listen to our environments. The discussions extend into digital activism, speculative design, and data storytelling, examining how artists use these tools to critique power structures and imagine alternative realities. Developed in collaboration with Radio Ö1, this podcast offers a thoughtful, accessible entry point into complex ideas, featuring the voices of artists and thinkers who are actively reimagining our world. It’s for anyone curious about the critical role of art in understanding technology, culture, and society. Tune in to hear how artistic inquiry challenges assumptions and opens new pathways for thought, proving that the most compelling art is often an action, an experiment, or a question rather than a simple thing.