We are absolutely delighted to report that 3 projects strongly connected to our very own Next Talent Program have been selected to be showcased in the upcoming SXSW in Austin, Texas.
One of the projects included in the festival’s XR Experience Competition is Matunda Groenendijk‘s project Cycle. Matunda was part of our 2021-2022 generation of Next Talents and it was then when she started working on this project. Cycle is a philosophical 10-min VR experience, created together with Amit Palgi, uncovering life’s hidden patterns through dance, animation and music.
Another project Matunda contributed to but as a visual designer, Lacuna, is selected for SXSW XR Experience Spotlight – a showcase of masterful immersive art from around the world. Lacuna was directed by our coordinator of the Next XR Talent program, Nienke Huitenga, together with Maartje Wegdam, and produced by our Next Talent Program partners Studio Biarritz. This VR documentary is a journey through skewed memories, elusive images and re-imaginations towards one moment of loss and grief during the Second World War.
Also included in the XR Experience Spotlight is Lesbian Simulator, a project created by Iris van der Meule, a former Nexter from the 2019-2020 generation. The project, first developed as part of the Next Talent Program, provides an interactive VR journey that lets you experience the world through the eyes of a lesbian. Blending game mechanics with immersive storytelling, the artwork takes you through moments of joy, community, discovery, as well as the everyday discrimination lesbians still face.
We are very excited for this strong presence at SXSW 2026 of Dutch artists connected to our Next Talent Program. All three projects and the teams that made them happen definitely deserve all the attention and love SXSW 2026 has to offer!