Applications are now open for Playable City Sandbox 2022.

Across the globe Playable City has built a networked community of creatives, producers and citizens, unlocking social dialogue and play through a series of hybrid labs, talent development programmes and playable installations. We have spent some time reflecting on how the world has changed and how we can more proactively address barriers to play and participation in public space.

“Playable city ideas are a human response to the coldness and anonymity of the urban environment. By encouraging activities that bring joy, we can create a happier, more cohesive urban future”

The Guardian

Growing the global network, Watershed is now launching its first UK Playable City commission since 2016. We are inviting creative SMEs, artists, designers, architects, technologists and creative practitioners to propose new and distinctive ideas responding to the theme. 

We will award six teams up to £45k to develop a Playable City prototype that will reanimate our cities post-lockdown by inviting people to play and connect - person to person, person to city.

The application process has two stages:

  • Stage 1: Apply with an expression of interest for an Ideas Lab (the half day Ideas Labs will run on Thu 8 and Mon 12 Sept 2022 at Watershed, Bristol).
  • Stage 2: After you have attended an Ideas Lab, you will submit a full proposal of your Playable City prototype idea.

Find out everything you need to know about the theme, the opportunity, the application process and FAQs here.

Deadline for Stage 1 expressions of interest Friday 12 August 10:00

Playable City Sandbox is part of the the MyWorld IDEAS programme, funded by UKRI. You can read more about MyWorld here.


Studio themes