CreativeXR: new round of immersive UK content funding announced

Digital Catapult and Arts Council England have opened the next round of immersive content funding via their CreativeXR programme.

CreativeXR has put out an open call for creative, consumer-facing experiences enabled by virtual, augmented and mixed reality technologies.

These could include art pieces, cultural experiences and new forms of interactive entertainment or storytelling.

Twenty successful applicants will receive up to £20,000 of early-stage investment to develop prototypes. They will also receive mentoring from industry leaders, get access to Digital Catapult’s network of immersive labs, and have the opportunity to pitch for further development funding.

“CreativeXR is about stimulating the strength of British storytelling and commissioning talent. Immersive technologies offer many new content opportunities to be bold and experimental in creating engaging and authentic experiences,” said Jeremy Silver, CEO, Digital Catapult.

“This collaborative effort with Arts Council England pushes UK creative startups to innovate in order to reach new audiences, tell new stories, and establish new business models. We hope it will encourage a new boldness in investors and commissioners too.”

This year’s programme follows the first CreativeXR in 2018, which saw 20 teams create prototypes – five of which received further funding of £350,000 to complete their projects.

Francis Runacres, executive director, innovation and enterprise at Arts Council England, said: “We’re excited to partner with Digital Catapult again to recognise the best immersive content creators in the UK and offer them the support they need to reach their full potential.”

“The popularity of last year’s programme indicates the huge appetite for this kind of support, while the incredibly high-calibre of immersive experiences that emerged from it demonstrate the UK’s leadership in this space and potential for further growth.”

The deadline to submit proposals is February 17, 2019. Interested parties can apply at: www.creativexr.co.uk