Ars Electronica – StartsPrize 2026 awarded for Tree Migration and AI Training

The European Commission has announced the recipients of the eleventh and final StartsPrize for 2026, honoring German artists Agnes Meyer-Brandis and Hito Steyerl. The awards recognize innovative projects at the intersection of art, science, and technology.

Agnes Meyer-Brandis received the prize for her long-term, interdisciplinary art and research initiative titled "Office for Tree Migration" (OTM). This project explores complex themes related to environmental change and ecological interconnectedness through artistic inquiry.

Hito Steyerl was recognized for her compelling video installation, "Mechanical Kurds." The work focuses on the experiences of refugees who are engaged in training artificial intelligence systems, highlighting the evolving relationship between human activity and advanced technology.

Both artists' projects were celebrated for their forward-thinking approach and their ability to provoke thought on contemporary issues. The StartsPrize, presented by Ars Electronica, aims to support and showcase groundbreaking work that bridges creative expression with scientific and technological advancements. The awarded works will be featured at the upcoming Ars Electronica Festival in Linz.