How to research and develop collective immersive experiences and a physical and sustainable exhibition culture for emerging forms of immersive art?
CIxD is research partner for the two-year Shared Realities living lab, which will conduct research into new exhibition and presentation formats and immersive experiences. The program aims to explore collective immersive storytelling, strengthen the ecosystem for co-production and distribution, engage audiences through shared experiences, and document insights for the wider sector. Organized around four tracks—creation and prototyping, reflection and interpretation, and documentation and dissemination—the project will generate actionable knowledge, expand sustainable exhibition practices, and increase the international profile of Dutch immersive artists. The consortium partners will implement a new living lab infrastructure and curatorial framework for Dutch creators. We aim to continue this program beyond these two years to further consolidate a sustainable ecosystem, build long-term audience engagement, and embed the knowledge and practices developed into the Dutch and international immersive arts sector.
Project lead is IDFA DocLab, production partner is POPKRAFT, research partners are CIxD and MIT Open Documentary Lab, and artistic input is provided by Dutch makers including Ado Ato Pictures, ALLLESSS, Polymorf, Studio Biarritz, and WeMakeVR. The program is further supported by exhibition and distribution partners ARTIS-Planetarium, Nu:Reality, and IMM-PACT.