Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The Immerse\Interact Grant Scheme supports immersive and interactive media projects by independent makers and producers in the Netherlands. Grants fund both development and realization phases, offering up to €125,000 for high-quality audiovisual projects that combine innovation, artistic excellence, and audience engagement.
Overview
The Creative Industries Fund NL, in collaboration with the Netherlands Film Fund, has launched the ImmerseInteract Grant Scheme. The scheme targets projects that focus on immersive and interactive audiovisual experiences, aiming to enhance the crossovers between the creative industries and film sectors.
Key objectives include:
-
Promoting artistic quality and innovation.
-
Stimulating experiment, research, reflection, and debate.
-
Supporting talent development.
-
Encouraging new forms of immersive storytelling and audience engagement.
Each fund contributes €500,000 per year, with €250,000 available per round for eligible projects.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
-
Producers and independent makers based in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
-
Applicants must be professionally active in film or creative industries.
-
Must be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce or an equivalent authority.
-
Applicants need a demonstrable track record in immersive media projects.
Projects must align with the funds’ objectives, demonstrate financial need, and show that the proposed goals are achievable. Applicants must adhere to:
-
The Fair Practice Code.
-
The Governance Code for Culture (where applicable).
-
Explain alignment with the Diversity and Inclusion Code.
Excluded projects include:
-
Projects already funded by either fund.
-
Activities that started before funding approval.
-
Study or training projects.
-
Regular business operations.
-
Duplicate or previously rejected proposals without new developments.
Funding Details
Development Phase:
-
Individual makers or small collectives: up to €15,000, plus €5,000 coaching budget.
-
Producers: up to €25,000, plus €5,000 coaching budget.
Realization Phase:
-
Individual makers or small collectives: up to €35,000.
-
Producers: up to €125,000.
-
Grants may cover up to 85% of total project costs, including development.
Applicants must report on the use of funds with substantive and financial reporting, with requirements depending on the grant size (below or above €25,000).
How the Scheme Works
-
Prepare the Application: Develop a detailed project plan, budget, schedule, CVs, and relevant visuals.
-
For Realization Projects: Include user experience description, feasibility of financing, and a distribution and audience strategy.
-
Submit Through the Digital Environment: Applications must be submitted during announced periods and may be written in Dutch or English.
-
Assessment: Applications are reviewed by an advisory committee based on artistic value, technical quality, feasibility, and for realization projects, audience reach.
-
Prioritization: If the budget is oversubscribed, higher assessment scores take precedence; in case of ties, artistic value prevails.
Why It Matters
The scheme strengthens the creative and film industry ecosystem in the Netherlands by supporting projects that are:
-
Innovative in interactive and immersive storytelling.
-
Artistically high-quality and technically advanced.
-
Audience-focused, enhancing engagement in both physical and virtual formats.
-
Opportunities for talent development and cross-industry collaboration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Incomplete applications: Missing CVs, budgets, or project plans.
-
Ignoring eligibility criteria: Applicants must be registered professionals in the Netherlands.
-
Submitting pre-started projects or previously rejected proposals without new information.
-
Neglecting reporting obligations: All funds must be properly accounted for.
-
Failing to align with the fund’s objectives regarding artistic quality and immersive media innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for this grant?
Producers and independent makers in the Kingdom of the Netherlands who are active in film or creative industries.
2. What types of projects are supported?
Immersive and interactive audiovisual projects that result in physical or virtual presentations, products, or installations.
3. How much funding is available?
Development grants: up to €25,000 for producers, €15,000 for individuals/small collectives. Realization grants: up to €125,000 for producers, €35,000 for individuals/small collectives.
4. Can I submit a project already started or previously funded?
No. Projects must not have started before funding approval or received prior funding from either fund.
5. What are the reporting requirements?
Grant recipients must submit substantive and financial reports, with details depending on grant size (< or > €25,000).
6. Are applications accepted in English?
Yes, applications can be submitted in Dutch or English.
7. How are applications assessed?
Projects are evaluated on artistic value, technical quality, feasibility, and for realization projects, distribution and audience reach.
Conclusion
The ImmerseInteract Grant Scheme provides vital support for immersive and interactive media projects in the Netherlands. By funding both development and realization phases, it fosters innovation, artistic excellence, audience engagement, and talent development, ensuring that creative projects reach their full potential in both virtual and physical environments.
For more information, visit Creative Industries Fund NL.
