Immersive Arts has secured over £8.5 million (€9.9m) to continue supporting UK artists working with immersive technologies until 2030, following high levels of demand for grants and development opportunities during its first phase.
Since launching in 2024 with a £6 million (€6.99m) investment, the UK-wide Immersive Arts programme has awarded more than £3.24 million (€3.78m) in grants to 225 creative teams and created inclusive and accessible opportunities for more than 2,300 artists across the UK, to explore, experiment with or expand how they make work that uses technology to actively involve an audience.
The new funding will extend the programme for a further three years, with more than £4.7 million (€5.4m) allocated directly to artists at all stages of their creative development through grants, training and professional development opportunities.
It will also enhance support for artists ready to commercialise their work and grow sustainable creative businesses, offering tailored business and investment advice, alongside opportunities to connect with collaborators, funders and investors.
Funding for Immersive Arts is provided through a collaboration between the Arts and Humanities Research Council (UKRI), Arts Council England (ACE), 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.
The news was announced by UWE Bristol’s Professor Verity McIntosh, Principal Investigator and Director of Immersive Arts, during Immersive Arts’ annual gathering The Big Thing in Llandudno, Wales (9 - 11 September).
Image Credit: Laura Lee Photography