Are you an artist interested in exploring immersive technologies? Immersive Arts, a UK-wide programme supporting artists to make and share extraordinary immersive work, invites you to learn more about the programme at their upcoming events, and be supported in making an application for funding.

The three-year cross-UK programme is led by the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), with the lead hub at Pervasive Media Studio in Bristol, and Watershed as Executive Producer.

Working in close partnership with Glasgow (Cryptic), University of Bristol and cultural organisations in Belfast and Derry (Nerve Centre) and Cardiff (Wales Millennium Centre), 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. 

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.

What is Immersive Arts?

We know the term ‘Immersive Art’ has many meanings to different people across various sectors. For this programme, we mean art that uses technology to actively involve the audience.

We are particularly interested in the use of how virtual, augmented and extended reality can be used to create artwork that bridges physical and digital spaces, engages multiple senses, and connects people with each other and their environment.

Verity McIntosh, Director of Immersive Arts, Associate Professor at UWE Bristol says:

“Immersive Arts is a new and exciting programme that will provide research, training, mentoring, and vital funds to artists from all across the UK. I’m looking forward to meeting some of the potential applicants at our events in September and October and sharing more about our plans to support a diverse community of artists over the next three years.” 


What funding is available?
Immersive Arts will be awarding £3.6 million in grant funding to artists based in the UK between 2024 and 2027, with the first of three rounds of funding opening in October 2024. You can either sign up for updates on the funding calls by joining the mailing list here.

Artists are invited to apply to one of three distinct funding schemes, 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. Use this grant to explore immersive technologies, develop ideas, experience work, or meet potential collaborators. You will also get support from Immersive Arts Producers to connect with a wider network.
  • 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. You will also join our Development Labs run by Crossover Labs to support you in the development of your ideas. 
  • Extend (£50,000): For individuals, micro-entities, or small organisations (50 employees or fewer) looking to advance existing projects to their next stage of development, testing or presentation. You will receive personalised support and mentoring through Crossover Labs and our wider partnership. 


We are hosting a series of Information Webinars and Inspiration Days, both online and across the UK, to help potential applicants decide which of their funds they might apply for and to meet the team.


Funding Information Webinars

These short, online sessions are for anyone who is interested in applying for any of the three opportunities, to help you decide which of our funds you may apply for, meet our team and ask any questions you may have. 


Wed  9 Oct 1pm-2pm, register here (this webinar will feature BSL translation)

Tue 15 Oct 5pm-6pm, register here (this session will be Audio described)

Wed 30 Oct  11am-12pm, register here (Ask about access drop-in session) not recorded



Inspiration Days

For artists with little or no experience working with immersive technology, these day-long workshops led by Crossover Labs, have been designed to help demystify immersive art and offer some inspiration for your creative practice. The sessions are free and open to all but are particularly aimed at those considering applying for the Explore grant funding.

Glasgow: Wed 25 Sept, 10am-5pm – Register here

Belfast: Fri 27 Sept, 10am-5pm – Register here

Cardiff: Wed 2 Oct, 10am-5pm – Register here

Sheffield: Wed 16 Oct, 10am-5pm – Register here

Bristol: Fri 18 Oct, 10am-5pm – Register here

Not able to join in person, or prefer to connect online?

Tue 22 Oct, 10am-12.pm – Register here

Don’t worry if you can’t attend, all the online sessions will be recorded and made available through our website shortly after the events.

 

Funding for Immersive Arts is provided through a collaboration between the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Arts Council England, the Arts Council of Wales (ACW), Creative Scotland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI). Funding from Creative Scotland, ACW and ACNI is provided by The National Lottery.

For more information on Immersive Arts, sign up to our mailing list.