The Pittsburgh Technology Council’s Art + Technology Initiative was formed in 2008 in an effort to unite and cultivate the creative and technology communities in the Pittsburgh region. By exploring the various intersections of Art and Technology, and creating unprecedented strategic partnerships, the initiative aims to enhance the productivity of both groups, while fostering this nexus to spur regional progression. Founded on the idea that art and technology share the fundamental characteristic of innovation, as well as a synergy at the forefront of cultural innovation, the Initiative and its partners are dedicated to unearthing the possibilities of this leading-edge fusion.

HISTORY of the Art + Technology Initiative

The Design, Art and Technology Awards (DATA) and the 15 Minutes Gallery
The Art + Tech Initiative kicked off with a bang in 2008 with the first-ever Design, Art + Technology Awards at the 15 Minutes Gallery — the initiative’s business/art space. Nearly breaking fire code, and featuring over 75 artists, the awards and gallery became the foundational element of the Initiative. Subsequent DATA events have features special guests and speakers including: internationally-reknown artist, Burton Morris; the Creative Director/Executive Producer of Cirque du Soleil, Lyn Heward; Will Wright, creator of The Sims video game series; and J Moses, founder of WeChi Social Media and former President of BMG Interactive and MTV Russia.

The Pittsburgh Entertainment Technology Project
From 2010-2012, due to a flourishing Hollywood presence in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Technology Council partnered with Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center, the  Pittsburgh Film Office, Idea Foundry to connect Pittsburgh tech with Hollywood entertainment.

The Creative Technology Network (CTN)
In 2012, the PTC launched the first-ever Creative Technology Network — consisting of a dedicated program of events, educational workshops, visibility initiatives and business development/investment opportunities for folks working at the intersection of creativity and technology. The CTN serves hundreds of companies, organizations and individuals in the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

Ongoing Events and Programs 

The annual Design, Art and Technology Awards (DATA) and Interactive Exhibition
Each spring, the PTC hosts the signature Art + Tech event of the region, honoring the most innovative/creative projects of the year. Click here for info on  DATA, or to submit your work for an award.

Creative Clash Series
Join us for Networking Nights with the Creative Technology Network and some of the region’s leading art and technology community organizations. Partners include The Carnegie Museum of Art, ASSEMBLE and more!  Click here for upcoming Creative Clash events.

Innovator Series
Innovation is the key to all progress. This series hosts national heavy-hitters, including Dank Pink and Roger Martin, at our annual Innovator Keynote, and also monthly workshops on Innovation in the work and marketplace. Click here to check out the Innovator Series.

Get Interactive!
Want to learn more about what it means to be ‘interactive’ today? Come to our monthly workshops and training courses designed to get you engaged in the newest trends in tech.  Click here to Get Interactive!

iCON-Edu: Conversations on Creativity, Education and Technology
This event series hosts national leaders in innovation for the next generation. With over 8 events each year, the education and business communities come together to discuss the future of learning and the workforce.  Click here to learn more about the iCON-Edu Speaker Series.