From May 2025 till March 2026 we will start the second edition of our Next XR Talent Program, a catalyst for XR dreams. We’re on the lookout for Netherlands based XR visionaries and immersive trailblazers from all corners of the country. From Zeeland to Overijssel, we’re creating a space for makers that are looking for a development program to foster their XR and immersive practice.
The Next XR Talent Program is the new addition to the talent program Playgrounds has been running since 2016. Together with immersive director Nienke Huitenga we want to stimulate creators to apply that are both starting or deepening their practice in interactive or immersive XR experiences. All disciplines are welcome. We see XR technology as a means to create a digital or hybrid experience. You don’t have to be proficient in those tools. An interest for immersive experiences and immersive storytelling is the common ground we are looking for in the applications.
Are you working with creatively or artistically with virtual reality, augmented reality, (interactive) narrative formats or immersive journeys mediated through (interactive) sound, xr, mixed reality or more performative? We are eager to receive a proposal from you!
Our focus for the program extends beyond the technical aspects; we want to delve deep into immersive storytelling first and foremost. We will offer a range expert speakers to show how crafting experiences works with XR as the experience medium or as a tool that is part of the immersive concept. We are looking for creatives who want to join the program to work on starting development on a (future) project. We want to offer a space of experimentation and exploration. The journey is guided with full day workshops by guest experts and work sessions with Nienke Huitenga. We ask all participants to present their findings in March 2026 to the network of Playgrounds and the Immersive Art field during a public presentation.
The Next XR Talent Program runs for 10 months, from May 2025 till early March 2026 (with a summer and winter break). During this period we want to foster your development and help you connect actively to the Dutch Immersive and XR network, so that you are ready to take next steps with confidence after the talent program. The program is part-time, and is doable next to other projects and work. However we do ask you to commit to workshop dates and work sessions
Possible outcomes could be that you have time to work and think to fully scope out an artistic vision, and write a first plan for a (future) project that you could use to apply for your first grant request to fund your project. Or you want to work on an experience concept of a new XR project, and are able to document a first test. Or perhaps you want to better understand your position in the field of XR, and develop a more firm timeline for your future project and your positioning as an immersive artist? It is up to you! Convince us why this trajectory is needed at this moment in your career? – We believe in learning by doing. Therefore we encourage applying with an early stage project in mind, but your are free to decide what the (learning)outcome will be.
Deadline to apply: Monday 14 April 23.59h (CEST)
There will be an online Q&A session about the program on Wednesday 19 March 15.00h-16.00h
Come and ask us anything about the program! www.whereby.com/plgr
Questions? You can always reach out to coordinator Nienke Huitenga via nienke@weareplaygrounds.nl
For all makers
The Next XR Talent program will select 6 participants.
Whether you’re mid-career, an emerging star, or an established virtuoso seeking a new artistic horizon, this is your stage.
Criteria
– The minimum amount of work experience in the field as a creative should be 2 years.
– We are open to receive proposals that are about exploring XR as a new addition to your practice. In other words, it can be your first rodeo in XR and immersive art.
– We are also here for makers who apply to deepen or refine their immersive and XR craft or early stage idea for a new work.
The program is initiated by Playgrounds, based in Eindhoven Noord-Brabant, one of three film talenthubs in The Netherlands. Therefore we welcome all applications, but make our final selection based on geographical distribution. We want to especially stimulate talent and experienced makers who live and have strong connections to the provinces of Noord-Brabant, Limburg, Friesland, Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, Groningen, and Zeeland to apply.
Requirements for selection and participation
– You participate with all planned sessions, and engage with the group. You need to be mostly available on Thursdays. The following dates are key to block in your calendar : 6 May, 20 May, 10 June, 24 June, 1 + 2 July, 26 August, 9 September , 7 October, 3/4/5 November*, 11 November, 15-18 November, 2 December, 16 December , 6 January, 27 January, 10 February, 3 March , 12 March
* The definitive dates will be decided soon. It will be a two day masterclass and visit to Imagine Film Festival.
– You are based in the Netherlands. You are either a Dutch citizen or you can show your practice as a creative is connected to the Netherlands long term.
– You can show in your CV or track record that you have graduated and are developing your practice for a minimum of 2 years.
– You are able to travel for work sessions to Playgrounds headquarters (Klokgebouw 126, 5617 AB Eindhoven).
– You speak, write and understand English. We expect to have a mixed language group composition.
Timeline
- 19 March 15.00 – online Q&A at www.whereby.com/plgr
- 14 April 23.59 – deadline applications
- 24 April we announce the selection of participants
- 6 May is the first meeting
How do we meet during the program
Throughout the program XR director/producer and coordinator Nienke Huitenga will guide you through the program. We will be working hybridly. We will be doing field trips, online work sessions and workshops on location. You will have a personal coach to track your artistic progress.
Part of the work sessions and workshops will be in Eindhoven, near or at the Playgrounds office. We have chosen to include online work sessions in addition to this so everyone from any corner of the Netherlands can comfortably plan life and participation in the program in between the work sessions on location. For the work sessions in Eindhoven we have a budget for travel costs.
Resources
Selected participants receive a development budget of €10.000. Also, we will match you with a personal mentor that is your sparring partner during your participation in Next XR.
The Network
During the program we want to help you forge connections in the international network of Playgrounds, and introduce you to some of our ace partners. It’s not just about ideas; it’s about making them happen, supported by a community that believes in the power of imagination. Are you ready to redefine your artistic journey? Seize the opportunity, break barriers, and be part of our Next XR Talent Program 2025-2026.
YOU CAN APPLY HERE
To prepare your application, please note all documents / videos should be in English.
- Resume with contact details, website and socials + a portfolio and/or link to a showreel. Please show us your work, not all participants in the selection commission know your work!
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages) or motivation video (max 4 minutes):
Questions we like to answer
1. Why do you want to participate in the Next XR Talent Program? Explain your current position as a maker and what you are looking for your development. Give us an idea what you need or what you would help you to continue your growth as an artist/maker.
Please note the trajectory also focuses on personal development: of course, you will work on a project, but there is room for to strengthen certain talents/skills. Convince us why this trajectory is needed at this moment in your career.
2. Which immersive or XR driven works have inspired you? And why? Name two.
3. What excites you about the prospects of this talent program? And how would you like to connect with your 6 fellow participants?
- Development plan (max 2 pages) or video about your development plan (max 4 minutes):1. What do you want to work on when you join Next XR? Is it an early idea for a project or a research-based question?
2. In what way would you like to explore or develop during Next XR? Are you more interested in many experiments? Or do you want to find focus and deepening a concept? What process are you dreaming of?
3. But also, which skills do you want to tackle: business wise, artistic skills, expanding your network in a new field, communication with a team or crew, your online presence. Anything goes.