Edinburgh artists benefit from Creative Scotland funding

The funding will help artists integrate immersive technologies into their work, with individual grants of £5,000, £20,000 and £50,000 available depending on the stage of creative development.

Morgan Petrie, creative industries manager at Creative Scotland, said: “Our congratulations go to this round of funded artists, whose innovation and creativity are truly inspiring.

“The power of Immersive Arts’ focus on technical and artistic innovation, balanced by a deep commitment to inclusion at all stages, means that we are developing a strong grassroots network of tomorrow’s global leaders in the emerging fields of creative technology.

“By investing together with partners from all four UK nations, we are helping to build a stronger network of people and organisations working in creative innovation.”

The funding is set to open up new ways for people to experience the arts.

Edinburgh-based projects receiving support include Wild Wings of Hope, which was awarded a £20,000 Experiment grant to develop an augmented reality experience for hospice patients and their families.

The project combines art, nature and technology to create moments of beauty and connection during times of loss.

Other Edinburgh recipients include Adrian Hon (£20,000), Yulia Kovanova and Louis McHugh (£20,000), the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland (£5,000), and Sophie Bancroft (£5,000).

The Immersive Arts Fund is delivered through a collaboration involving the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council, Arts Council England, the Arts Council of Wales, Creative Scotland, and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Verity McIntosh, director of Immersive Arts and professor at UWE Bristol, said: “We are delighted to be able to support so many extraordinary UK artists and projects through this latest funding announcement.”

Immersive Arts is a UK-wide research and development programme supporting more than 200 artists and organisations to explore the possibilities of immersive technology, with at least £3.6 million in funding available between 2024 and 2027.