Futures Past Immersive Storytelling Initiative 2025

The Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, in collaboration with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Electric South, invites applications for Futures_Past: Amplifying Memory with Immersive Technologies, a creative project that supports immersive artists in reimagining heritage through digital storytelling.

Artists will work with one of six archives across South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi to develop innovative immersive experiences such as VR, AR, and spatial audio installations. Selected teams will receive funding, mentorship, and international networking opportunities, including mobility to France.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 9 November 2025
2. Value: R500,000–R1,200,000 funding + mentorship + exhibition
3. Category: Fellowship, Grant
4. Host Country: South Africa
5. Sponsor: France Government
6. Eligible Countries: South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi

Eligibility Criteria for Futures Past Immersive Storytelling Initiative 2025

1. Teams of at least 4 members: Director, Technologist, Producer, and Trainee Assistant Producer (under 30)
2. At least 3 years’ experience for all key team members (except trainee)
3. Director must be from or residing in the country where the archive is based
4. Collaborative and co-creative approach with archival institutions
5. Innovative use of immersive technologies (VR, AR, MR, XR, spatial audio, etc.)
6. Completion by August 2026

Benefits of Futures Past Immersive Storytelling Initiative 2025

1. Funding between R500,000 and R1,200,000
2. Access to archives and institutional support
3. Mentorship from regional and international experts
4. Travel opportunity to France for networking
5. Exhibition of final immersive works
6. Visibility through Electric South and partner platforms

How to Apply

Applicants will be asked to submit:

1. 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.
2. A short proposal describing your project idea and approach.
3. Mood boards and other visual materials that give a sense of your approach to realising the project idea.
4. Information about your team members, including relevant experience.
5. Examples of previous immersive work.
6. At least two contactable references.

Apply here.

For more details, visit Immersive Artist Teams webpage

Application Deadline

November 9, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Futures Past Immersive Storytelling Initiative 2025