Bath Spa Studio Innovation Fund 2027: Three £10,000 Grants for Immersive Audio Partnerships
The Studio at Bath Spa University has opened its 2027 Studio Innovation Fund in partnership with the Immersive Audio Network. Three successful collaborations will each receive a £10,000 project grant plus structured development support. Applications close on Sunday 15 November 2026 at 23:55 UK time. This is a region-linked partnership opportunity: it is not a worldwide individual artist award.
Who can apply?
Every application must involve a current Resident of The Studio at Bath Spa University working with one or more external partners. Eligible collaborators include freelancers, businesses, social enterprises and third-sector organisations, but at least one partnership member must be based in Bath & North East Somerset, and proposed activity must take place in that area or the surrounding region. A Studio Resident can join more than one application but only one successful project per Resident may receive funding.
What counts as immersive audio?
The programme's core focus is spatialised sound, including binaural listening over headphones, Ambisonics, Dolby Atmos or other multi-speaker approaches. Visual experiences, interactive art and VR can be part of a project, provided the contribution is audio-led. Applicants should explain a specific social-impact goal such as accessible cultural participation, community connection, health and wellbeing, education or environmental benefit, while also building a sustainable creative partnership beyond a single exhibition.
Budget and programme
Three collaborations receive £10,000 each; this supports paid partner time and project delivery rather than a personal no-strings-attached prize.
Each selected partnership has six hours of bespoke development support and mentoring worth up to £1,000.
The project period is January–June 2027, with an induction workshop, evaluation meetings and a September 2027 sharing event.
Applicants wishing to use the Immersive Audio Network's lab equipment must account for the applicable usage rates in their project budget.
Selection and application
The fund accepts a written online proposal or video application. The organiser plans to invite up to five teams for interview on 9 December 2026 and issue decisions by 14 December. Shortlisted teams should be ready to discuss their technical feasibility, partner contributions, realistic payments and how the work can continue sustainably. A fully finished final artwork is not required by the end of the funded period.
Organiser background and verification
The Studio is Bath Spa University's creative enterprise and innovation hub. The seventh Studio Innovation Fund is delivered with the Immersive Audio Network, with backing from the university's Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries and Research England support. The website publishes both the funding terms and application forms, giving prospective partners a direct route to verify eligibility.
Official Studio Innovation Fund 2027 application and full criteria → https://thestudioinbath.co.uk/studio-innovation-fund-2027/
Detailed organiser call and background → https://thestudioinbath.co.uk/the-studio-innovation-fund-2027-call-for-proposals/
Source review: 24 October 2026. United Kingdom; deadline 15 November 2026 at 23:55. Restricted to partnerships satisfying The Studio Residency and Bath-region criteria.