# Immersive Arts Phase Two (Invite Only)

**Funder:** UKRI (AHRC)
**Budget:** £8.35 million
**Duration:** 3 years
**Consortium:** Required — minimum 5 partners across the UK (hub + ≥4 regionally dispersed partners including at least 2 in England, 1 in Northern Ireland, 1 in Scotland, 1 in Wales)
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/immersive-arts-phase-two-invite-only/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Invite-only call for a consortium to deliver Phase 2 of the Immersive Arts Programme (creative immersive technologies R&D) across the UK. Minimum 5 partners spanning all four UK nations; at least one English partner must be outside London. Consortium partners are ineligible to apply for devolved funding. Minimum 55% of total budget must be ring-fenced for devolved awards to creative/cultural organisations and individuals.

## Summary

The Immersive Arts Phase Two programme offers £8.35 million over three years to a UK-wide consortium delivering creative immersive technologies R&D as the second phase of the national Immersive Arts initiative. This is an invite-only call for a consortium of five or more partners spanning all four UK nations, with at least 55% of the budget ring-fenced for awards to creative and cultural organisations and individuals across devolved regions. This is a one-off call; successful consortia must begin projects by 1 February 2027.

## Who should apply

- Consortium leads based at UK research or cultural institutions (not sole applicants; minimum 5 partners required)
- Partners spanning all four UK nations with regional dispersal (at least one English partner outside London)
- Organisations and individuals in creative and cultural sectors eligible for devolved funding awards
- Consortia able to commit to a start date by 1 February 2027

## Key dates

- Invite-only call; application start link sent via email invitation
- Projects must commence by 1 February 2027
- Three-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- This is invite-only; if you have not received an email invitation, contact AHRC to confirm eligibility before preparing a proposal.
- Plan your consortium carefully: the geographic and devolved-nation spread is mandatory, not advisory. Missing regions will trigger desk rejection.
- Budget ring-fencing is audited, ensure 55% minimum flows to creative and cultural organisations and individuals in devolved areas; consortium overhead is capped elsewhere.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding is available in Immersive Arts Phase Two?

£8.35 million total budget over three years, with a minimum 55% ring-fenced for creative and cultural organisations and individuals in devolved regions.

### Can I apply to Immersive Arts Phase Two as a single institution?

No, this call is for consortia only; you must assemble a minimum of five partners spanning all four UK nations, with at least one English partner outside London.

### What is Immersive Arts Phase Two about?

It funds research and development in creative immersive technologies across the UK, delivered as the second phase of the national Immersive Arts programme.

### How long does the Immersive Arts Phase Two project last?

Projects run for three years and must start by 1 February 2027.

### Is this call open to all researchers or invite-only?

This is an invite-only call; you must receive an email invitation from AHRC to access the application portal.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ukri-ahrc-immersive-arts-phase-two-invite-only-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.