About the Open Call

CULTVR's Catalyst 360º programme for 2026 features two distinct open calls. The Immersive Arts Residency offers three opportunities (one for Wales-based, one for UK-based, and one for international artists or collectives) to facilitate the research, development, and presentation of new immersive productions and live experiences. This strand targets artists with experience in immersive projects, encouraging them to develop innovative work within CULTVR Lab's 360º immersive dome and 16.1 surround sound system. The intensive residency supports creatives for one month (remotely possible) with 5 to 7 days of access to the dome venue. Resources are evaluated based on project needs. The Live XR Showcases offer six opportunities for Wales-based artists, organisations, and collectives to rapidly prototype and present work in the immersive dome, making cutting-edge facilities accessible for public presentation. This programme aims to break down barriers, foster diversity, equality, and inclusion, and empower artists to explore digital media. It's an opportunity to test concepts with live audiences. Successful applicants for Live XR Showcases have the option to join Immersive Labs (February 16-20, 2026), a free, voluntary, and unpaid programme developed with Society for Arts & Technology (Montreal), offering masterclasses, workshops, and mentorship for refining fulldome creation skills and producing immersive prototypes.

What is Offered

Three residency opportunities for research, development, and presentation of new immersive productions. Access to CULTVR’s 360º immersive dome with 16.1 surround sound system. Six opportunities to prototype and present work to the public. Potential for professional development through masterclasses, workshops, and mentorship via optional Immersive Labs with Society for Arts & Technology (Montreal). Funds can cover artist time and production expenses.

Requirements

The Immersive Arts Residency is open to local (Wales-based), UK-based, and international artists, organisations, and collectives with experience in creating immersive projects. The Live XR Showcases are open to Wales-based artists, organisations, and collectives. Collaborations are encouraged, but individual artists can also apply. Projects should leverage the unique capabilities of CULTVR Lab's performance space. For residencies, the outcome is a final work lasting 40-90 minutes, premiered and presented as part of CULTVR's programming.

How to Apply

Applicants should consult the full guidelines (PDF download available) to ensure project alignment with objectives. A budget and timeline template (XLSX download) is provided for financial planning. Applications must be submitted via the specific Google Form links provided for either the 'Immersive Arts Residency' or 'Live XR Showcases'.