ACE invests in arts and technology innovators

Three organisations have been granted funding for projects exploring the intersection of arts and technology as part of a new pilot programme launched by Arts Council England (ACE) and Innovate UK, a public body sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills. The organisations will be given access to networks, tools and advice to develop new practices, ideas, products and services.

The funded organisations include Nottingham’s Broadway, which is planning to develop an arts and technology studio to evolve its ‘Near Now’ Fellowship, and ‘Madlab’ – Manchester Digital Laboratory – which is running an ‘accelerator’ programme to connect artists using emerging technologies to an international network of creative entrepreneurs. London’s Makerversity completes the trio and plans to bring together designers, makers and artists at workspace and facilities in Somerset House, where it will support them in developing workshops and coaching sessions.

Director of the Creative Industries at ACE, Dawn Ashman, placed the programme in a wider social context: “Some of the most innovative and risky projects in various areas of technological endeavour are driven by artists, experimenting with technology, engaging users in new ways and critically reflecting on the impact of new technologies. We are excited to be working with Innovate UK to pilot this programme, and see this as the beginning of a long-term relationship to support original and innovative arts practice.”

A more extensive programme of funding is to be announced from late 2016.