Ars Electronica, Council of Europe partner for the Platform Exchange on the impact of Culture on Digitisation, held its annual art, technology and society festival in its home town of Linz, Austria, from 8 – 12 September. The festival hosted over 500 events, with 500 artists, scientists, engineers and alchemists from more than 40 countries participating. Ars Electronica addresses important questions about the future linked to the Digital Revolution and focuses on the nexus of art, technology and society.

The Director of Ars Electronica, Gerfried Stocker, addressed the Council of Europe’s third Platform Exchange on "Culture 4D: Digitization, Data, Disruptions, Diversity". The 2015 Ars Electronica festival provided the setting for the 2nd Platform Exchange on "Smart Creativity, Smart Democracy".

This platform showcased innovative digital applications and audience engagement techniques through digital creativity, with a view to strengthening access and participation in culture. A collection of practices was subsequently published as an online publication by the Council of Europe.