Nerve Centre announced 10 Northern Ireland-based artists and collectives have secured funding through the inaugural round of Immersive Arts, a new UK-wide programme supporting bold and inclusive immersive storytelling. These awards are part of a wider £1.18 million investment by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and its partners.
Delivered in Northern Ireland by Nerve Centre, the programme empowers artists from diverse backgrounds to explore emerging technologies — including virtual, augmented and mixed reality, spatial audio, interactive installations, and haptics-driven art.
With three distinct strands — Explore (£5,000), Experiment (£20,000) and Expand (£50,000) — the fund supports artists at different stages of their immersive journey. Competition was fierce, with over 2,500 applications received from across the UK and only 83 projects selected, including 10 from Northern Ireland.
Among the successful recipients is The Baby Factory is Closed by Deepa Mann-Kler, awarded an Expand grant. This hybrid documentary experience explores menopause through multi-sensory storytelling, challenging taboos and transforming perceptions of a subject too often overlooked.
Lough Neagh Tales by Emma Jordan, awarded an Experiment grant— An innovative augmented reality and audio-responsive experience designed for primary school audiences, will bring to life the rich tapestry of myth and history surrounding Lough Neagh and Ram’s Island. Blending storytelling, spatial sound, and AR animation.
The Scattered Figures of our Shadow Selves by Kerrie Hanna, awarded an Explore grand. An AR illustration trail, using the city as a canvas, Kerrie's illustrations will be applied to architecture using augmented reality tools, creating an interactive walkable trail through the city.
Kerrie's artwork at Belfast bus stop
In addition to supporting local projects, Nerve Centre will collaborate with 10 other projects from across the UK, providing mentorship, development support, and helping to shape the future of immersive arts practice nationwide.
David Lewis, Director of Communications and Development said:
"The Immersive Arts programme attracted a highly competitive field of applicants from across the UK, and we’re proud to see 10 exciting projects supported here in Northern Ireland across the Explore, Experiment, and Expand strands.
These successful applications reflect the depth of creativity and innovation emerging from Northern Ireland. We’re also thrilled to be working in partnership with projects from across the UK, providing development support and helping to grow the immersive arts sector nationally."
Colm O'Donnell, Immersive Arts Producer said:
“It’s been incredible to see such a diverse range of ideas and voices come through the Immersive Arts programme, from deeply personal storytelling to bold experimentation with new technology. The response from Northern Ireland’s creative community has been inspiring, and I’m genuinely excited to work with each of these artists as their projects evolve. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it leads”
Projects funded across the UK span a wide range of forms and technologies, including live performance, sculpture, and responsive environments. The programme aims to break down structural barriers to immersive technologies, prioritising equity, access, and inclusive innovation at every stage.
Immersive Arts is funded by a consortium including UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council, Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales, and Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
The first annual event for the programme — The Big Thing — will take place from 9–11 June 2025 in Bradford, UK City of Culture, bringing together artists, technologists and researchers from across the UK and beyond.
Read more about Nerve Centre's Immersive Arts programme.
For a full list of funded projects and more information, visit: www.immersivearts.uk