Shared Realities

Supported by CIIIC's Artistic & Design Research for Immersive Experiences (ADRIE) scheme, the consortium launches a two-year research program (2026-2027) that brings together artists, researchers, creative technologists, producers, cultural institutions, and international partners. 

Immersive media has opened up new ways of experiencing stories and environments. Shared Realities explores how these experiences can be designed not only for individuals, but in stead creating opportunities for shared engagement and exchange. 

At the heart of the programme is a living lab where artists, designers, researchers, technologists, producers, and cultural organisations experiment with new forms of collective storytelling and exhibition-making. Through artistic and design research, Shared Realities develops immersive formats designed for shared experience and explores new approaches to presenting immersive work. 

By bringing together expertise from across the field, the consortium contributes to the development of a sustainable exhibition culture for immersive art and strengthens connections between creators, presenters, and audiences.

The consortium is comprised of IDFA DocLab, Hogeschool van Amsterdam, POPKRAFT, Polymorf, Studio Biarritz, WeMakeVR, ARTIS-Planetarium, ALLLESSS (Ali Eslami), Ado Ato Pictures (Tamara Shogaolu), Cassette (Nu:Reality), MIT Open Documentary Lab, and PHI (IMM-Pact).

Research meets practice at the 20th edition of IDFA DocLab (November 13–22), where five projects by Shared Realities consortium members will be presented across the exhibition and festival program. These works are part of a wider research process in which consortium members come together to discuss ideas, share expertise and reflect on artistic and technological challenges. The festival provides an international platform and a living lab where new approaches to immersive art can be shared with audiences.

Discover the five projects: