New Immersive Storytelling Funding Reimagines African Heritage

A new initiative is unlocking African archives with digital technology. The French Institute of South Africa and Electric South have launched Futures_Past. This project offers major grants for immersive artists. The goal is to reinterpret cultural heritage in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi.

The project connects artists with historical archives. It aims to create virtual and augmented reality experiences. This will make heritage more accessible to the public through modern storytelling.

Substantial Grants and Support for Creative Teams

Selected artistic teams will receive significant financial backing. Grants range from R500,000 to R1,200,000. This funding covers all production costs and artist fees.

Teams will also receive professional mentorship. They get facilitated access to archival collections. Exhibition opportunities are also part of the package. This comprehensive support structure ensures project success.

Strict Eligibility and a Focus on Collaboration

The call targets specific team structures. Each group must include four key roles. A director, technologist, producer, and a trainee assistant producer are required. The director must be from or reside in the archive’s country.

Team cohesion and a collaborative spirit are essential. According to Reuters, such cultural partnerships are vital for sustainable arts development. Applicants must show both technical skill and strong creative vision.

This immersive storytelling funding represents a major investment in African digital heritage. It empowers local artists to reshape historical narratives for global audiences.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is eligible for the Futures_Past funding?

The call is for teams from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi. Teams must include a director, technologist, producer, and a trainee under 30. The director must be based in the country of the chosen archive.

What kind of projects are they looking for?

They seek projects using immersive tech like VR and AR. These projects must creatively engage with archival materials. The focus is on innovative storytelling that reanimates heritage.

How much funding can a team receive?

Selected teams can receive between R500,000 and R1.2 million. The amount depends on the project’s scale and scope. This covers all production costs and artist fees.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for applications is November 9, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed after this date. Final selections will follow these interviews.

Do teams need to have prior experience?

Yes, all key team members must have at least three years of experience. This requirement does not apply to the trainee assistant producer. Proven expertise is a key selection criterion.