image courtesy of Chris Smith
Screen Cornwall and Creative Kernow Associates delivered The Immersive Innovation Programme, designed to strengthen creative technology practice across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
It supported artists, cultural organisations, and technologists to experiment with immersive media, including 360 film, VR, AR, and interactive digital production, while developing new skills, ideas, and prototypes.
Running from November 2024 to September 2025, the programme supported a cohort of 16 creatives and organisations through mentoring, workshops, and access to specialist immersive technology expertise.
Alongside the cohort programme, immersive commissions were developed and the activity culminated in Imagination Unleashed, a two-day showcase event at Hall for Cornwall in February 2026.
Image courtesy of Hugh Hastings
Image courtesy of Chris Smith
The programme delivered strong outcomes across skills development, innovation, and sector growth:
– Over 35,000 people engaged with work developed through the programme
– 16 R&D projects completed across the cohort
– New collaborations formed across Cornwall’s creative sector
– All participants adopted new technologies or production methods
– Multiple prototypes, products, and services developed
– A strengthened and growing CreaTech network in Cornwall
The programme focused on research and development, giving creatives time, space, and support to experiment without pressure for immediate commercial outcomes.
Participants particularly valued:
– Access to specialist mentoring and technical support
– Opportunities to explore immersive technologies hands-on
– A supportive cohort environment and peer learning
– Time to test, fail, iterate, and develop ideas
This approach enabled many to step into immersive practice for the first time and build confidence working with emerging technologies.
Image courtesy of Hugh Hastings
Image courtesy of Hugh Hastings
The programme culminated in Imagination Unleashed, a two-day immersive showcase held at Hall for Cornwall in February 2026, delivered in partnership with Hall for Cornwall, Tech Cornwall, Cornwall Games, Cornwall Council, and Real Immersive.
The event brought together creatives, industry professionals, educators, and the public to explore the future of creative technology in Cornwall.
Across the two days, audiences experienced a wide range of immersive work, including:
– VR and interactive installations
– 360 film and dome screenings
– Live demonstrations of emerging creative technologies
– Panel discussions and keynote talks
– Exhibitions showcasing work from the Immersive Innovation cohort
The Schools’ Day introduced over 180 young people from across Cornwall to creative technology careers through hands-on workshops and interactive experiences.
The Industry Day welcomed creatives, technologists, and the public, offering opportunities to experience new work, attend talks, and connect with others working in the sector.
While the programme has now concluded, many of the projects developed continue to evolve, with participants progressing into further funding, development, and production opportunities.
Screen Cornwall remains committed to supporting the growth of CreaTech in the region and continues to explore opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and future sector development activity.
Image courtesy of Hugh Hastings
