Open Call for Applications from Immersive Artist Teams 2026

The Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and in partnership with Electric South, invite applications from immersive artists in South Africa, Malawi, and Lesotho to take part in an exciting new initiative that reimagines the future of heritage through immersive storytelling.

• Table of Content
• About France Government
• Applications from Immersive Artist Teams
• Aim and Benefits of Applications from Immersive Artist Teams
• Requirements for Applications from Immersive Artist Teams Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Applications from Immersive Artist Teams
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Applications from Immersive Artist Teams

Aim and Benefits of Applications from Immersive Artist Teams

• Project funding.
• Access to archival collections and guidance from archivists.
• Mentorship from regional and international experts.
• Production support and technical resources.
• One team member from each selected team will travel to France to develop international relationships and partnerships.
• Opportunities for public exhibition in museums, libraries, and cultural venues.

Requirements for Applications from Immersive Artist Teams Qualification

They are seeking teams comprising of at least four key roles with experience in immersive media or related fields, and an interest in archives, history, and storytelling: 1) a creator (director, creative lead), 2) a technologist lead, 3) a producer, and 4) an emerging trainee assistant producer who will receive training as part of this initiative.

They want to see teams that can interpret the stories held in the respective archives to create inspiring works for diverse audiences using immersive digital technology.

• All key team members must have at least three years of experience in their respective practices. This does not apply to the trainee assistant producer.
• The director must be from and/or resident in the country where the archive is based. If the director is not currently based in the city/country where the archive is located, they must be able to travel to the archive.
• While it is preferable for other key team members to also be from or residing in the country where the archive is based, teams can include members from elsewhere in Africa, as long as the director meets the requirements.
• Each team must include at least four members: director, technologist, producer, as well as a trainee assistant producer. Additional members with relevant expertise may also be included.
• The trainee producer must be under the age of 30.
• Selection will aim for gender balance among participants, but teams of any gender composition are welcome to apply.
• Team experience, cohesion, location and the balance of skills will be assessed to ensure capacity to deliver the project.
• Teams should demonstrate both technical expertise and a strong creative vision. If any of the core roles are performed by the same person, documentation of expertise in all areas is required.
• They are looking for teams who are open and collaborative. You will be working directly with archival institutions, collaborating closely with archivists and staff to develop immersive projects. Many of the institutions are already working with local communities and stakeholders. Openness, adaptability, and a spirit of co-creation are essential to ensure that the archives’ collections are interpreted respectfully and engagingly.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Applications from Immersive Artist Teams

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of curators, technologists, and archivists. Proposals will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Originality – Innovative and imaginative use of immersive media to engage with archival materials.
• Ethics – Commitment to responsible practice, including community representation and respectful use of archives.
• Suitability of Technology – Effective use of immersive tools to support the story and concept.
• Audience Engagement – Potential to reach and resonate with diverse audiences.
• Aesthetics – Creative quality of design, sound, and storytelling.
• Archive Match – Strength of connection between the chosen archive and the proposed project.
• Practicality – Feasibility of delivering the project within the resources, timeframe, and team capacity.
• Team Composition – location, balance, experience, cohesion, gender considerations, and inclusion of emerging assistant producers.
• Touring Potential – The final project should be “portable” so that there is the potential to tour it beyond the archival institution.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed before the final selection is made. During the interview, the teams will be asked to explain how they intend to budget and schedule the work.

Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027
Chevening Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Applicants will be asked to submit:

• An explanation of why you want to work with a particular archive. We want to see why you are excited to work with the archive.
• A short proposal describing your project idea and approach.
• Mood boards and other visual materials that give a sense of your approach to realising the project idea.
• Information about your team members, including relevant experience.
• Examples of previous immersive work.
• At least two contactable references.

For more details, visit Immersive Artist Teams webpage