New Dimensions Lab Virtual Reality Workshop For African Artists 2021

Electric South is looking for the next cohort of diverse African artists for a week-long retreat in February 2022 to learn Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality storytelling from leading industry mentors and engage in discussions and workshops, as well as develop their creative projects.

Applications for the New Dimensions Lab 2022 are now open. Now in its 5th edition, the New Dimensions Lab brings together diverse African artists to develop stories told through creative technology alongside leading industry mentors.

The Lab takes place over the course of a week at a private retreat where artists engage in discussions and masterclasses, and workshop their creative projects. As a result of the ongoing Coronavirus Covid-19 travel restrictions, the Lab will take on a hybrid format giving applicants who are unable to travel an opportunity to virtually immerse themselves. 12 physical and 6 virtual applicants will be selected to participate. Electric South will commission and finance at least three works developed at the 5th New Dimensions Lab.

New Dimensions Lab Workshop Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must be:

• Citizens or permanent residents of an African country.


• Currently living on the African continent (at least 8 months a year).


• Accomplished in an artistic field. Any creative discipline is welcome. Past applicants have experience in: documentary and fiction film, theatre, performance & visual arts, fashion, photography, writing, design, creative technology and game development.

Projects ideas must:

• Be non-fiction stories. We welcome creative interpretation of documentaries and fiction/documentary hybrids.


• Use immersive technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR). This could include 360 film, interactive worlds, animation, artificial intelligence, projection mapping, hybrid forms, and beyond.

New Dimensions Lab Workshop Benefits
Electric South fully covers travel, accommodation and meals for participants

How to Apply for New Dimensions Lab Workshop
Interested candidates who meet the criteria listed above should apply by clicking on the “Apply” button below:

Apply Here

Submission Deadline: The last day to submit is 4 October 2021. All successful applicants will be notified by 25 October 2021. The Lab will run from 26 February – 6 March 2022 in South Africa.