A recent announcement has revealed details of an upcoming project that aims to provide support for over 200 artists and organizations to explore the creative possibilities offered by virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies. One of the major partners in this significant initiative is the Wales Millennium Centre, which will play a pivotal role in the project’s execution.
The Immersive Arts project will span a period of three years and is set to be funded by a substantial £6 million grant from XRtists. This grant is the result of a groundbreaking collaboration between the Arts and Humanities Research Council and various arts councils across the UK, including Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and Arts Council of Wales. The project seeks to build on the UK’s impressive track record of nurturing artists in harnessing the potential of new technologies.
A key focus of this project is to provide training, mentoring, specialized facilities, and essential funds to artists. A portion of the substantial grant, amounting to £3.6 million, will be specifically allocated to support artists based in Wales, enabling them to bring their innovative ideas to life.
Graeme Farrow, the Artistic Director of Wales Millennium Centre, expressed excitement about the partnership and the opportunity it presents. He described the intersection between immersive technology and creative work as fascinating, emphasizing the potential it holds for artists, young people, and communities to explore new storytelling avenues.
Furthermore, the program will be led by the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), with Bristol’s Pervasive Media Studio as the lead hub and Watershed as the Executive Producer. In addition to the Wales Millennium Centre, the project has enlisted the support of producing partners situated in all four nations of the UK. These partners include Watershed in England, Nerve Centre in Northern Ireland, and Cryptic in Scotland. Together, these organizations have collectively supported over 5,500 artists in the past five years and have reached an audience of more than 70.5 million people.
Lisa Matthews-Jones from Arts Council of Wales emphasized the unique nature of this partnership and its potential to create inclusive opportunities for exploring creative technology. She highlighted the Wales Millennium Centre’s strategic position in building on its existing work and further supporting the creative endeavors of artists in Wales.
The UK Government Culture Secretary, Lucy Frazer, also commented on this milestone collaboration. She underscored the government’s significant investments in establishing a network of R&D labs aimed at spearheading advancements in visual effects, motion-capture technology, and AI for the screen and stage industries. She reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering artists and creatives to harness the potential of innovative technology, aligning with the broader objective of catalyzing growth in the UK’s creative industries.
In conclusion, the Immersive Arts project is set to open new opportunities for artists and organizations, fostering a spirit of exploration and innovation as they delve into the realm of immersive technology. The partnership between the Wales Millennium Centre and various other stakeholders across the UK holds promise for the future of storytelling and creative expression, positioning the UK at the forefront of advancements in the arts and technology.
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