Watershed has opened applications for its second Sandbox as part of the MyWolrd 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.

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 where relevant.
  • 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 which can be found at the bottom of the Watershed Sandbox Opportunity page. 

If you would like more information before submitting a proposal you can attend an informal briefing event Monday 6 November 13:30 – 14:30 in the Pervasive Media Studio. Book a place here - More Than AI Sandbox Briefing. 

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.