Immersive Art Residency at DAS in partnership with BETA Festival, Ireland.
Digital Arts Studios (DAS), in collaboration with BETA Festival, Ireland, is delighted to announce a new immersive arts residency in Belfast. The programme invites artists working with digital technologies to create immersive artworks that encourage multi-sensory engagement, interactivity, and technology integration.
Artists may create immersive works with any technologies including extended reality (XR) technologies. Extended reality gives users an immersive experience through virtual, augmented or mixed environments, using audio and visual media.
We are interested in work that expands boundaries, using any technologies, spatial design or interactive elements. Regardless of the technology employed, artists will be focused on creating an immersive experience where the viewer is actively engaged and can influence or interact with the work in a multi-sensory digital, physical or hybrid space.
The immersive residency will support artists to create new work to be showcased in an exhibition delivered by DAS in partnership with BETA Festival. As well as high-level production support throughout the residency. Artists will have curatorial support from DAS to design and produce the exhibition.
The Immersive Artist/s-in-Residence will be based at our studios in 1 Exchange Place, Belfast for a period of four months between July and October 2025.
The exhibition will take place in Riddel’s Warehouse; a 19th Century four-storey ironmongery warehouse in Belfast city centre, from the 3rd – 8th of November 2025. This is an exciting opportunity to showcase work in a unique, historic environment and an innovative way to bring immersive art experiences to a new audience in Belfast.
Residency Support & Benefits
Studio & Equipment Access – Use of the DAS Production Lab, XR Equipment (META Quest 3, GoPro Max, Zoom H3-VR Audio Recorder), and additional resources. Please see our equipment, (all of which will be available for selected artists to use at no cost): https://www.digitalartsstudios.com/equipment-hire
Creative & Technical Support – Assistance from an onsite Creative Technician and engagement with other Artists-in-Residence & XR Lab Artists.
Funding & Exposure: Selected artists will be paid a fee of £3000 in total. Screenings of works-in-progress, peer critiques, and an individual artist page on the DAS website.
Workshops & Skill Development – Access to DAS workshops (e.g., Blender, MAX MSP, Projection Mapping).
Exhibition Opportunity – The residency will culminate in a public exhibition in Belfast, delivered in partnership with BETA Festival.
The exhibition will take place in the historic Riddel’s Warehouse between the 3rd – 8th of November 2025.
Artists will be invited to attend and participate in BETA networking events.
Artist Expectations
Artists will develop their own project and showcase their work in a final exhibition.
Participants will contribute to public engagement events such as open studios, workshops (fee paid to artist of £250 per workshop), and artist talks/Q&As.
Selection will be based on an open call and proposal submission, reviewed by a DAS/BETA panel.
Eligibility
This residency is open to artists based anywhere on the island of Ireland, including both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Selected artists will be expected to engage in person at Digital Arts Studios (DAS) in Belfast, making use of the studio space, equipment, and technical support. Some elements of the residency may allow for remote working, but artists should be available to participate in key activities such as workshops, open studio events, critiques, and the final exhibition.
While travel and accommodation costs are not covered, we encourage applications from artists across Ireland and will work to accommodate participation where possible.
Developing an immersive artwork (especially XR-based) takes time due to learning curves and troubleshooting, so we expect applicants to already have appropriate skills and experience of working in this area to deliver the work within the timeframe. This residency is a unique opportunity for digital artists to experiment, innovate, and push the limits of immersive arts while receiving technical, financial, and creative support.
Application Details
· Proposal should include a clear timeline of work, factoring in any R & D phase, mid-point review and final production time.
· Artists can apply via online application form. [APPLY NOW]
· Deadline: 30th April 2025
· For enquiries, artists can contact DAS directly by emailing angela@digitalartsstudios.com.
The Immersive Arts Residency is kindly supported by Belfast City Council.
