A Fond Farewell
Reflecting on 15 Years with NEoN Digital Arts
As August draws to a close, so too does my chapter as the Director of NEoN Digital Arts. After 15 incredible years—first as a curator and then as director—I’ve decided it’s time to pass the torch. It’s been a journey filled with creativity, innovation, and profound change, and now I step aside to make way for the next generation of leadership.
Pictoplasma & Akinori Oishi—For NEoN 2010, Pictoplasma produced a new series of character costumes: hairy, friendly beings full of positive energy. Akinori Oishi is a self-confessed ‘drawaholic’ and he took over the Hannah McClure Centre for his first solo show in the UK.
I’m thrilled to share that my colleagues, Sabrina Logan and Cavan Convery, will be taking up the chalice and continuing NEoN’s vital work in place-based digital inclusion. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge, passion, and fresh ideas that I have no doubt will propel NEoN to even greater heights. Their dedication ensures that the organisation remains at the forefront of digital arts, nurturing talent, and fostering inclusion in our ever-evolving digital landscape.
Looking back, it’s hard to encapsulate all that these 15 years have meant to me. I’ve had the privilege of curating groundbreaking exhibitions, leading a dynamic team, and contributing to the transformation of digital arts. My journey with NEoN has taken me around the world, allowing me to collaborate with some of the most talented and inspiring individuals in the field. Each project, each conversation, and each experience has enriched my understanding and deepened my passion for the arts.
Images from NEoN Festival 2014 – With a theme of FUTUREPROOFING, NEoN 2014 looked back across the recent history of digital art.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together at NEoN. From pushing the boundaries of what digital art can be to making it accessible to all, we’ve made a lasting impact. But none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the NEoN community—our artists, partners, funders, team members, and audiences. Your creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm have been the lifeblood of this organisation.
As I step down, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and optimism for the future.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the next chapter—both for NEoN and for all of us who believe in the transformative power of digital arts.
With deep appreciation,
Donna Holford-Lovell
Former Director, NEoN Digital Arts
P.S: I have had the privilege to work with many fabulous organisations and people. See NEoNs archive for more information https://neon-archive.com/
