Digital

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) has launched a £40,000 fund to support artists working with digital technology.

The Individual Artists Digital Evolution Awards are open to artists who are making digital art for the first time, or are working with digital or immersive technology they have not previously used. 

The scheme will fund a range of digital practices, including work that involves the creation of a virtual or augmented reality environment; the use of 3D rendering and printing technology; the translation of data into artistic works; and app development for the delivery of artistic content. Individuals can apply for grants up to £10,000. 

Karly Greene, ACNI Director of Strategic Development, said: “The programme will support artists in the creation of art using digital and immersive technologies, and will also help artists develop skills in the use of these technologies.
 
“This programme reflects the Arts Council’s commitment to encouraging innovative practices that cross art form boundaries and build digital capabilities within the Northern Ireland arts sector.”
 
The programme opened for online applications on 30 August and will close on Friday 30 September.

Wales Millennium Centre has released details of its purpose-built extended reality arts venue, which is scheduled to open on 27 August.

Bocs, which is Welsh for box, is the first space of its kind in a Welsh arts centre. It will present a programme of 360° films and projections as well as extended reality (XR) experiences, including augmented reality, mixed reality and virtual reality.

Alongside an event programme, a series of talks and workshops will be hosted in a new XR studio, providing opportunities for artists, educators and young creators to gain hands-on experience and explore ways to make an impact through immersive media.

David Massey, Senior Producer (Digital Experiences) at Wales Millennium Centre, said Bocs will “showcase and celebrate the best of immersive storytelling in Wales and across the world, intersecting technology, visual art, theatre and music”.

“Immersive experiences are a great way to bring audiences together, challenge ideas and transport you to new worlds.”

“We hope Bocs will inspire new audiences and intrigue the next generation of story makers, introducing more people to the immense possibilities of this exciting medium.”

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed not to refer the music streaming market to full investigation after a market study found that it is working well for consumers.

The office launched its study into the streaming market and the power of labels six months ago, following a DCMS Committee report that called for fundamental reforms.

The study aimed to investigate the streaming market “from creator to consumer” and to consider whether the dominance of major labels is stifling competition or leading to instances of “excessive power”.

“Our initial analysis shows that the outcomes for artists are not driven by issues to do with competition, such as sustained excessive profits,” said Sarah Cardell, Interim Chief Executive of the CMA. 

“We are now keen to hear views on our initial findings which will help guide our thinking and inform our final report.”

The Musicians' Union and The Ivors Academy have expressed disappointment at the CMA's decision. They say major labels' dominace, the supression of the value of music publishing and stagnant pricing remain issues in music streaming.

“The CMA's release highlights what it sees as positive impacts of music streaming, but we feel they have failed to recognise the very serious problems posed to creators," MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl added.

“In the long term, this could diminish the diversity of British music available to consumers as musicians are forced to seek other ways to make a living.”

“We had particularly hoped that the CMA would deliver for songwriters who are currently receiving a small share of streaming revenue.”

The CMA will share its findings with DCMS, the IPO and the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation to help support their research into whether artists’ rights can be strengthened in the music streaming market.

A final decision is due to be taken by the CMA early next year.

The British Council and the Ukrainian Institute have launched the UK/Ukraine Season of Culture, a new programme designed to support the Ukrainian arts sector.

The season, which has been planned since 2019, marks 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, its theme is “Future Re-Imagined”. 

It will focus on the changing needs and priorities of the Ukrainian arts sector and aim to provide new opportunities for Ukrainian artists. A programme of activities, events, grant-funded projects, residences, talks, films and lectures will take place in the UK, online and in satellite locations.

The season will also support future Ukrainian artistic collaboration through a series of grants worth up to £30,000, based on the results of an open call launched last October.

They will include the development of residencies for Ukrainian musicians and dancers; theatre pieces that examine Ukrainian political and cultural history; professional development opportunities for Ukrainian journalists and collaborations with Ukrainian designers, photographers and digital artists for London Fashion Week.

The season launched last week at Sheffield DocFest with a display of artworks and screenings of Ukrainian documentaries. 

Upcoming highlights include Cheltenham Book Festival and the Kyiv Book Arsenal partnering for a special Ukraine Day event celebrating emerging voices in Ukrainian literature; a Ukrainian to English Literary Translation Summer School at the University of East Anglia, bringing together translators and authors; and a programme at the 2022 Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival focusing on contemporary Ukrainian opera and chamber music.

“While the whole of Ukrainian society is affected by the Russian aggression, artists and creatives are among the most vulnerable groups,” said Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute. 

“Ukrainian culture is a major target in this war, so it is particularly important to continue building networks and supporting the creative sector.”