Watershed has opened applications for its second Sandbox as part of the MyWorld Ideas Programme. We are inviting creative SMEs, artists, designers, technologists and creative practitioners to propose new and distinctive ideas creative and critically exploring artificial intelligence.

More than AI sandbox is a programme to support makers to experiment creatively with AI, recognising it as one of many diverse intelligences in our world, and create a new prototype. We will commission up to six teams to develop their ideas to prototype with an award of up to £45k each.

The More Than AI Sandbox will take place Summer 2024 with a view to sharing prototypes Autumn 2024.

At the bottom of this page, you will find:

• The More Than AI Sandbox Brief (pdf version)
• Larger Text Sandbox Brief (word document)
• An Audio recording of the Brief (mp4)

Apply to More Than AI Sandbox

More than AI Sandbox

The last few years have seen a rapid rise in the power of machine learning, and wider access to tools for using it to do ‘human-like’ work (holding conversations, creating images, recognising objects). This has led to much greater public consciousness about the presence of so-called Artificial Intelligence (AI) in many aspects of our daily lives, including much hype and a lot of valid concern.

We think that there are opportunities for new forms of expression and accessibility to be found in AI; but only if makers and thinkers come together to grapple with the complexities of what intelligence is and how we use it.

The methodology we use to support the development of idea is called Sandbox. Watershed developed this tried-and-tested methodology to bring together teams of brilliant people to test new ideas with generosity and rigour. We will support teams to take an experimental idea to a working prototype over three months of rapid research and development.

Sandbox helps to develop ideas with creative and commercial potential; it is not for finished products or services, or one-off projects. We will fund six teams, up to £45k, and bring them together for a series of workshops offering peer learning and access to creative and business expertise.

Sandbox Teams will receive:

• A grant of up to £45,000.

• Sandbox workshop package within the three month production period.

• Dedicated support from a Watershed Producer, Industry Experts/Advisors, Business Mentor and Creative Technologist

• Access to facilities in the Pervasive Media Studio (including desk space, bookable rooms, timebank, Show & Test events etc).

• Support with developing inclusive practices.

• PR support, showcasing opportunities and feedback events

• Access support.

• A short promotional film documenting prototype.

How to Apply

Applications close Monday 18 December 10:00 GMT 

All the information is available in the brief. The brief contains a full outline of the opportunity, overall programme timeline, links to FAQs and surgery bookings, and link to the application form.

Apply here

Sandbox Brief (downloads)

• More Than AI Brief (PDF)
• Sandbox Brief Audio Recording
• Large Text Version (Word document version)
• More Than AI FAQ

If you have any access requirements where the above documents do not work for you please contact Emma Boulton on myworld@watershed.co.uk.

About MyWorld

More Than AI Sandbox is part of the the MyWorld IDEAS programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund to establish the West of England as the global centre of creative technology excellence. You can read more about MyWorld here.

Closing Date: Mon 18 December, 10:00 GMT

• Sandbox Brief Audio Recording 24.35 MB
• More Than AI Brief (PDF)4.78 MB
• More Than AI FAQ57.32 KB
• Large Text Version52.3 KB

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