Comments

”I’m writing this letter in support of 404 Festival. We were initially attracted to attend this festival because we recognized that the organizers were trying to accomplish something very special and unique in Argentina which we wanted to support. We were aware of some festivals in Brazil and Mexico but to our know this was the first international festival of its kind. We were able to come to Rosario with the support of the Canadian government. The first festival was really wonderful, both venues were excellent and the organizer’s support was first class. We were impressed with the energy and warmth of the people we met and those who attended the exhibition and performances. We were also surprised by the quality and diversity of work chosen. It was for us a very gratifying and important experience. In terms of our work we realized that the Festival was a great venue to show new work. We were pleasantly surprised by Rosario a city that we both like very much as it still has its own flavor, it has not been spoiled by globalization. As we both come from working class background we regard Rosario as a city about and for the people. 404 is a very important festival and is known all over the world. I was recently in Australia and have recommended it to many artists who I met there. I feel very strongly that 404 should continue in the future as it is now a vital part of the global artistic network. On a political level this festival contributes very significantly to the artistic image of Argentina to the rest of the world. I have immense admiration and praise for the work of the organizers who have done so much with so little.”

“It’s always special for me to be part of “404 festival”. Unlike many other media art festival, it is not only a place for us to show our artworks but also it has deep interactions with us and grows up together as if it were itself a living creature. One of the 2 reasons why i love “404 festival” is that it serves as a trigger for us to collaborate each other. It’s very great for me to have a project with an artist i met at “404 festival”. The other is that it serves as a social hub to connect Rosario, Argentina to the world. It’s very interesting for me to know Rosario and exchange ideas and cultures with people there. Motivations of staffs, volunteer students, citizens and Gina Valenti are extremely high so it gives the festival high quality and close relationship with artists. I think it is also very important for educational meaning toward technology because i believe one of the main missions of media art is to show what technology should be. I think there’s no other festival with this big scale, a long-running, giving a sense of unity and a growth.”