Deadline: November 9, 2025
The Institut Français Open Call for Applications from Immersive Artist Teams 2026 is now accepting proposals from creative teams passionate about exploring cultural heritage through immersive technologies. This initiative seeks to empower artists and cultural practitioners across South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi to reinterpret their national archives using innovative tools such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), spatial audio, and interactive installations.
About the Programme
Titled “Futures_Past: Amplifying Memory with Immersive Technologies”, this pioneering initiative is organised by the French Embassy in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, in collaboration with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Electric South.
The programme aims to support archival and cultural institutions in the Southern African region to reimagine their heritage collections through immersive storytelling that brings history, identity, and memory to life.
Programme Components
The open call forms part of a broader creative and research initiative consisting of three main components:
- Sector Mapping and Policy Study
A comprehensive study examining the immersive arts landscape in Southern Africa. - Creation of Six Original Projects
Six teams will be selected to develop original immersive digital storytelling projects rooted in the archives of South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi. - Mobility and Networking Programme in France
Selected archivists, producers, and artists will have the opportunity to travel to France to connect with leading immersive arts institutions, museums, and festivals.
Funding and Support
Successful teams will receive financial support ranging between R500,000 and R1,200,000 (South African Rand), depending on the project’s scale and scope. The grant covers:
- Artist and producer fees
- Production and technology expenses
- Overheads and exhibition costs
Additional funding is also available for installation and exhibition management, ensuring the professional presentation of the completed immersive works.
Selected teams will also gain access to mentorship, archive resources, and international networking opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, teams must consist of at least four key roles:
- Director/Creative Lead
- Technologist Lead
- Producer
- Trainee Assistant Producer (under 30 years old)
All key members (except the trainee) must have a minimum of three years’ professional experience in their field.
The director must be from and/or resident in the country where the archive is based (South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi). Other team members may come from elsewhere in Africa, but preference will be given to those based in the same country as the chosen archive.
Projects should demonstrate:
- A strong creative vision
- Technical innovation
- Ethical engagement with archives and communities
- Collaborative and co-creative approaches
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the following:
- Originality and creativity in using immersive media with archival materials
- Ethical practice and community representation
- Technical and artistic quality of design, sound, and storytelling
- Audience engagement potential and inclusivity
- Relevance of archive selection to the proposed project
- Practical feasibility (resources, timeline, and team capacity)
- Team composition, with attention to gender balance, skill diversity, and inclusion of emerging talent
- Touring and exhibition potential of the final immersive work
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A statement of interest explaining why they wish to work with a particular archive
- A short project proposal outlining the idea and creative approach
- Mood boards or visual concept materials illustrating the intended direction
- Detailed team biographies highlighting relevant experience
- Portfolio samples of previous immersive or related work
- At least two references who can attest to the team’s capabilities
Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 9 November 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
Why You Should Apply
This open call presents a unique opportunity for creative teams to explore the intersection of technology, heritage, and storytelling. The programme provides robust funding, mentorship, and international exposure, empowering Southern African creatives to showcase their work globally.
Whether you are an artist, producer, or technologist, the Institut Français Open Call for Applications from Immersive Artist Teams 2026 is your chance to make an impact in the world of immersive digital heritage.
How to Apply
👉 Read more about the programme
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Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
