Immensiva - ESPRONCEDA

Overview

IMMENSIVA residency is the world's first residency program for artists working with advanced technologies like VR, AR, AI, and sensors. In its seventh edition (2026), the program focuses on transforming tangible and intangible heritage into shared, multiuser experiences through location-based XR multi-user technology (LBXR) combined with artificial intelligence and collaborative storytelling.

Key Dates

• Open call deadline: April 17, 2026
• Notification to selected participants: April 27, 2026
• Online Residency: April–October 2026
• Onsite Residency and Integration: October–November 2026
• Public and Professional Program: November 4–13, 2026

Program Structure

The residency spans three phases: an Online Residency (April–October) focused on distributed production, mentoring, and masterclasses; an Onsite Residency and Integration (October–November) at Espronceda Institute of Art & Culture for final prototype testing; and a Public and Professional Program (November 4–13) featuring the IMMENSIVA Expo and IMMENSIVA Day for networking and showcases.

Team Requirements

• Minimum 2 team members per application
• At least one experienced Unity developer required
• One team member must serve as Creative Director
• Additional team members may be invited
• Only two core members with required qualifications permitted to travel to onsite residency in Barcelona
• International teams welcome; core two members must be based in same location

What the Program Offers

• Full access to Espronceda's technological ecosystem including XRoam Solutions, STYLY, location-based XR (LBXR) experiences, and AI tools
• Intensive workshops led by specialists in XR, AI, and digital creation
• Personalized mentorship and technical support throughout the creative process
• Participation in IMMENSIVA Expo and IMMENSIVA Day to present projects to professional audiences and institutions

Project Goals

The residency aims to design multi-user, location-based XR prototypes that reinterpret cultural heritage using AI-driven storytelling and immersive environments. Projects are developed as modular, adaptable LBXR ecosystems with customizable prototypes that explore narratives connected to heritage, territory, and collective memory. The program establishes scalable projects adaptable for educational and exhibition use by museums and community centers, and strengthens the creative ecosystem through professional networking.

Impact and Accessibility

IMMENSIVA 2026 reinforces commitment to inclusion and accessibility through XR experiences that encourage active public participation in heritage interpretation. Projects are designed for diverse audiences with multiuser experiences and cultural mediation tools including guides, workshops, and accessible materials. The program promotes knowledge transfer and sector professionalization through open resources, masterclasses, and methodologies allowing institutions and creators to adapt and deploy projects using tools like Unity.

Eligibility

Applications must be submitted by interdisciplinary teams of at least 2 members. At least one team member must be an experienced Unity developer and another must serve as Creative Director. IMMENSIVA welcomes international and interdisciplinary teams; the two core members must be based in the same location, though additional team members can be from different countries. At least one representative per team must attend the onsite phase in Barcelona, ideally two.