Alternate Realities XR Artists Forum is an initiative for XR artists developing a project in the intersection of art, technology and documentary, looking to expand their network and get advice from experts in the field.
Selected participants will get the chance to attend the 2025 festival and have curated one on one meetings with industry representatives including curators, international festivals, galleries, media institutions, educational institutions, production companies, tech companies, broadcasters and distribution platforms for new media.
In these meetings, selected artists will have the opportunity to create a network in the field of new media, make new connections with each other and experts in the industry, and ask for feedback on projects they may be working on.
In previous years, industry participants attending have included British Council, VIVE Arts, IDFA, Crossover Labs, International Documentary Association, CPH:DOX, Barbican, MUTEK, ArtAngel, and more.
As part of the initiative, there will be an online orientation session before the festival (date to be confirmed with the selected talents). The curated one-to-one meetings will take place between Thursday 19 and Sunday 22, exact date to be confirmed soon.
What’s Included?
- Full Industry Pass which includes access to the whole festival 18-23 June, including films, talks & sessions, Alternate Realities exhibition, industry activities, parties and socials, and more
- Organised one to one meetings with industry representatives to expand your network
- Access to Marketplace services: switchboard, networking drinks, and industry sessions
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible, you must
- Be based in the UK
- Be an artist using digital technologies to experiment and play with non-fiction narrative (ranging from video, audio and sound art, interactive documentary, immersive virtual reality, augmented and mixed reality, AI, immersive sound technology, games, 360° video, motion comic to performance, expanded cinema, artists' moving image, and multi-channel installations)
We are unable to offer bursaries towards travel and accommodation.
How To Apply?
To apply please fill out this form. It is free to apply.
The application deadline is Friday 2nd May 2025 at 4pm BST.
We are committed to growing diversity in the film industry, and particularly welcome applications from underrepresented voices in the factual/documentary TV sector including, but not limited to, d/Deaf or disabled people and people who are ethnically diverse and/or those who are from or live in South Yorkshire.
If you have any questions, please contact our Industry team at industry [at] sheffdocfest.com.
You will be contacted in early May 2025 regarding the outcome of your application. Participation in the initiative is subject to capacity.
The curated one-to-one meetings will take place in Sheffield between 19 - 22 June 2025 (exact date to be confirmed) and there will be an online orientation session prior to the festival.
Alternate Realities XR Artists Forum is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
