An edition focused on innovation and reflection

Since 2016, Novembre Numérique has been exploring major contemporary transformations through the prism of digital cultures. It's a privileged space for exchange, reflection and innovation on an international scale.

The 2024 edition featured a variety of themes reflecting current concerns and digital opportunities. Sport took center stage, echoing France's Olympic year, with initiatives combining technology and sporting performance, such as video game tournaments and interactive exhibitions. Artificial intelligence was also a widely discussed topic, exploring its role in artistic creation, its influence on everyday life and the ethical issues that accompany it.

A special focus was also placed on the challenges of eco-responsible digital, with projects on sustainable and inclusive technological solutions, aimed at reducing the digital divide and widening access to cultural innovations.

A rich and diverse program

This 8ᵉ edition offered an abundance of offerings in a variety of formats: workshops, exhibitions, shows, esport tournaments, professional meetings and more. A variety of events were deployed around the world, here are just a few examples:

• Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and the Czech Republic: an international Trackmania video game tournament

With qualifiers organized in several cities, including Budapest, Debrecen and Szeged, thanks to the collaboration of the Alliances Françaises, participants from Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and the Czech Republic took part in a Trackmania video game tournament. The best players from each country came together to compete in a grand international final held at the Institut français de Hongrie in Budapest.

Designed in partnership with Ubisoft Nadeo, the event not only brought together video game enthusiasts from the region, but also showcased French expertise in the videogame field.

• In Madagascar: multidisciplinary and inclusive programming

The Institut français de Madagascar welcomed nearly 14,000 face-to-face and remote participants to fun and educational activities: presentations of VR works and video games, and a masterclass on augmented reality led by two French specialists. Esports played a central role in the program, with the creation of the first local league around the game PUBG Mobile, attracting thousands of online spectators. The IFM also welcomed the game's creators TEKKEN, who interacted with a hundred players at an exclusive event. In addition, a hackathon organized in partnership with P4H and Mass IN stimulated the creativity of young developers through a digital innovation competition.

• Moi Fauve

Moi Fauve by Joséphine Derobe and Claire Allante was a highlight in Nairobi. The project offered a unique immersion experience for Kenyan audiences, while inspiring local creators, who also presented four works in mixed reality. XR training sessions enabled participants to work on their creations thanks to the expertise of speakers such as Mathieu Gayet, editor-in-chief of XRmust media, and Michelle Ziegler, Director of the NewIMages Festival.

• In Canada: immersive creation in public spaces!

In Toronto, artist Maxime Touroute led a hybrid residency with seven students from OCAD University. Together, they designed interactive video mappings presented at the Royal Ontario Museum and the university, attracting over 2,000 visitors.

Tools to support the cultural network

The French cultural network abroad has taken full advantage of the resources made available by the Institut français to enrich their projects and reach new audiences:

• La Sélection VR, showcasing French creation in virtual reality was presented at numerous events around the world, Unlock, an offer of digital cultural content for mobiles (smartphones, tablets) enabled the presentation of a variety of creations.
• Escape, Générations numériques, a new exhibition from the French Institute, was launched on the occasion of this eighth edition of Novembre Numérique.

An appointment to be continued

Novembre Numérique remains a privileged moment to explore digital mutations, weave links between cultures and strengthen international collaborations. This 8ᵉ edition has confirmed its prominent place in global cultural dynamics and laid the foundations for even more ambitious future editions.