Yacine AIT KACI

YACINE, A DIGITAL ARTIST, SDG SPECIALIST, AND AMBASSADOR, BOASTS A RICH CAREER SPANNING 25 YEARS AT THE INTERSECTION OF CULTURE AND INNOVATION. Widely regarded as an international pioneer in digital art, he has left an indelible mark on the industry. Notably, Yacine spearheaded the creation of pioneering digital content for esteemed institutions like the Centre Pompidou (1997), Yves-Saint-Laurent (1998), and Le Louvre (1999). In 2000, he co-founded the Art-and-Innovation Collective Electronic Shadow, where they invented and patented Video mapping (2003), earning acclaim such as being the first European to receive the prestigious Ars Electronica (2005) and other notable awards including Laval Virtual (2004 and 2005), and FILE. One of their major installations was showcased at RIO+20 (2012). In 2011, Yacine embarked on a groundbreaking artistic project that transcended the cultural scene, achieving global success with ELYX.

ELYX served as a testament to the impactful fusion of real and virtual life, showcasing the potential of a fictional character to influence real-world issues. ELYX’s universal appeal, characterized by a joyful and non-verbal language, led to its recognition as the first digital ambassador of the United Nations. In 2015, ELYX became a symbol of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to his contributions to culture and innovation, Yacine has become a specialist in societal transitions and change management. Co-founding the ELYX Foundation in 2018, his aim is to promote UN instruments and values to organizations, policymakers, and the general public while advocating for culture as a cornerstone of the common good. Recently, Yacine’s remarkable journey was further highlighted by nominations as a GoalKeeper by the Gates Foundation and as a Spatial Guide alongside 20 other metaverse artists worldwide. Beyond his role as a digital arts pioneer, Yacine is a renowned Futurist Advisor and Impact Tech Catalyst. He leads conferences and keynotes, advising companies and organizations on designing their path to 2030 and beyond, with a focus on bringing cultures together through an intellectual and emotional approach. With an optimistic vision for the future, Yacine aims to bridge world cultures and diverse forms of communication, placing a strong emphasis on non-verbal communication at the heart of his approach.