The consortium delivering the Immersive Arts project is led by UWE Bristol, with the lead hub at Pervasive Media Studio in Bristol, and Watershed as Executive Producer.
Working in close partnership with the University of Bristol and cultural organisations in Belfast and Derry (Nerve Centre), Cardiff (Wales Millennium Centre) and Glasgow (Cryptic), as well as Crossover Labs, Unlimited, XR Diversity Initiative and the Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network, Immersive Arts will generate a rich programme of inclusive and accessible opportunities, breaking down the barriers for artists of all backgrounds to engage with immersive tools.
Artists will have the opportunity to access training, mentoring, specialist facilities and vital funds, with a total of £3.6 million in grant funding available between 2024 and 2027 to get ideas off the ground and further develop existing projects.
The first round of funding has now opened for applications and invites artists to apply to one of three distinct funding strands, each designed to support different stages of creative development:
- Explore (£5,000): Ideal for individuals, small groups, or organisations (10 employees or fewer) with limited or no experience in immersive arts. This grant will enable artists to explore immersive technologies, develop ideas, experience work, or meet potential collaborators.
- Experiment (£20,000): For individuals or micro-entities (10 employees or fewer) to support the creation of experimental immersive art works or prototypes that can be tested with small audiences.
- Expand (£50,000): For individuals, micro-entities, or small organisations (50 employees or fewer) looking to advance existing projects to their next stage for development, testing or presentation.
The training and showcasing programme will be led by Crossover Labs, with strategic input from Unlimited, Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network and XR Diversity Initiative and an international Advisory Board.
For more information and to apply go to https://immersivearts.uk/