Cross artform

A new £6m programme aims to equip the UK cultural sector with the skills to develop projects using immersive technology.

The three-year XRtists programme is a joint initiative from the arts councils of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Creative Scotland, and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The programme will begin in 2024, once a consortium has been chosen to run it. Applications are currently being invited from universities, independent research organisations, cultural organisations and creative businesses.

Plans for the programme include training and funding opportunities for artists and cultural organisations, including museums.

An annual industry showcase is also planned, which will support the "ongoing development and distribution" of immersive work.

The successful consortium will be expected to carry out research around new business models for immersive content.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive at Arts Council England, said the programme will "draw on the wealth of creative talent across our performing arts, galleries, museums and other cultural organisations to unlock new ideas and applications for immersive technology, while developing skills in these powerful emerging technologies across the cultural sector”.

AHRC Executive Chair, Professor Christopher Smith, added: “XRtists will build on previous investments to unlock further innovation and economic growth and will bring the power of immersive technology to new audiences and partners.”

Rural arts organisations in Northern Ireland are being invited to apply for funding as part of a programme to increase access to and participation in the arts.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland's Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP) was launched last year.

The £1.5million inititiative is now on its second funding round, with grants from £500 to £10,000 available.

The focus of the scheme is to tackle isolation and loneliness through the arts. It was conceived as a post-pandemic recovery programme aimed at rural communities that were particularly hard hit by Covid-19.

Projects already funded through REAP include Glenlough Community Choir in rural North East Antrim, and Portstewart-based Big Telly Theatre Company, which created a touring, interactive piece of 'hybrid street theatre'.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said REAP will "increase opportunities for people living in rural communities to engage and participate in meaningful arts activities, enriching their lives for the better. I would encourage organisations to apply.”

The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow has parted company with its business tenant, Saramago Cafe Bar, following a dispute by cafe staff over working conditions.

In a statement announcing the decision, CCA said the cafe would close "with immediate effect".

The move follows accusations that Saramago sacked three members of staff during their shifts on 3 March, for taking part in union-supported action against staff shortages.

Saramago's owners have strongly denied this. They say staff took part in an unannounced work stoppage in breach of their contracts, and that the union supporting the action, Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), is not recognised in the UK. 

Regular demonstrations organised by the IWW have taken place outside CCA since the three staff were sacked.

CCA said it had “worked tirelessly over the past five weeks in the hope for productive conversation and a positive outcome that aligns with our organisational priority of fair work.

"We truly wish the situation could have been resolved differently.”

It continued: “We recognise the gravity of this decision, and are committed to acting in the most accountable and considerate way possible."

Major arts festivals in Edinburgh and Glasgow are to receive a share of the Scottish Government’s Expo Fund worth £1.8m.

Established in 2007, the fund aims to build innovation across the festivals and maximise national and international opportunities for the artists contributing to them.

The year, 14 festivals including Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Festival and Glasgow International Festival are receiving funding.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has received the most, totalling £550,000.

Glasgow Film Festival and the biennial Sonica visual art and sonic festival will receive funding for the first time. Creative Scotland Chief Executive Iain Munro welcomed the government’s decision to “recognise the distinct international profile and work” of the two events.

“The fund is vital in raising the international profile of these festivals and enabling them to enhance their programmes through exciting and innovative co-productions and collaborations,” Munro added.