Futures_Past: Immersive Arts Mapping Study Sector Briefing

Electric South, in collaboration with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), invites arts, cultural and heritage sector participants to a sector briefing on Futures_Past: Immersive Arts Mapping Study.

Date: Friday, 19 September 2025
Time: 11h00 – 12h00 (SAST)
Online: Register here

About Futures_Past

Futures_Past is a multi-country research initiative mapping immersive arts ecosystems in South Africa, Malawi, and Lesotho. Immersive arts include works using virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive installations, projection mapping and other technologies that engage audiences in sensory-rich experiences.

The study examines:

• key actors, institutions and creative practices across the sector

• infrastructure, access to technology, funding systems, and market opportunities

• gender equity and inclusivity as central themes

Data are being gathered through surveys, in-country focus groups, and stakeholder interviews. The research will generate actionable recommendations to inform public policy, training programmes, and international collaboration; the goal is to support sustainable and innovative immersive arts in the region.

What to expect during the briefing

The sector briefing will:

• present progress to date

• invite feedback from participants

• enable live discussion and Q&A

A recording of the briefing will be made available afterwards.