Empowering Artists, Building Sustainable Futures in Immersive Storytelling
At B3, we support artists and act as catalysts, helping them find their unique voices as immersive storytellers. Through mentorship, skills development, and access to industry networks, we equip artists with the tools and connections they need to navigate the creative industries, build sustainable careers, and take their work to new audiences.
Building International Pathways
We’re thrilled to share that three TalentLab XR Associate Artists—Hannah Oliver, Jay Oliver Yip, and Gary Riley—will join this year’s Future Art and Culture (FAC) Connect programme at SXSW 2025.
Their selection follows their participation in January’s Remix Summit, where they contributed valuable insights on emerging artists working with Creative Technology.
Participation in FAC Connect at SXSW, Austin, Tx. (March 7 - 12), delivered by British Underground with support from Arts Council England and the British Council, is not just an opportunity to showcase talent. It is a strategic moment for artists to establish vital industry connections, build contacts with potential funders, and position their projects for future development.
Why SXSW Matters for Emerging Creatives
Attending SXSW isn’t just about being in the room—it’s about creating future opportunities. Last year, B3 artists made key industry connections that led to:
• B3 artists from the TalentLab XR programme have presented their project ideas at Epic Games London Innovation Lab and BFI’s Expanded Immersive Showcase, gaining industry visibility and critical feedback to advance their work.
• R&D funding discussions with creative arts and immersive tech organizations supporting early-stage projects, helping artists position their work for crucial development and project funding. Some alumni have also secured freelance opportunities within the creative tech sector, gaining hands-on experience working on immersive productions.
• B3 artists gain access to creative networks and accelerator programmes, providing new opportunities each year, helping shape their careers and opening doors to future development and industry collaborations.
A Creative Ecosystem That Drives Real Change
At B3 Media, we don’t just run programs—we build a career-defining journey for artists. Here’s how it works:
TalentLab XR: Where It Begins
Our flagship program is the entry point for emerging artists in immersive storytelling. The current cohort exemplifies this journey:
• Hands-on training & access to XR technology
• Project conceptualization & development
• Industry mentoring & networking opportunities
Be the First to Know! Join the waitlist for our next TalentLab XR & Creative Catalyst Residency—details coming soon!
Creative Catalyst Studio: Advancing TalentLab XR Projects to Prototype
Creative Catalyst Studio is the next evolution of B3 Media’s talent development work, supporting emerging immersive artists in taking their first steps toward prototype development. Building on the foundation of TalentLab XR, this new initiative will take up to 10 projects from our existing pool of artists and provide them with the structured mentorship, technical resources, and industry access needed to create working demos.
This is not a high-end virtual production space—it’s a creative incubator for new voices in immersive storytelling. By focusing on early-stage development, Creative Catalyst helps underrepresented artists gain a foothold in creative tech, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and industry connections to move forward in a space that remains difficult to break into.
With support from Brixton House, we offer access to affordable studio spaces for key project development activities. We know that securing funding and production opportunities remains a challenge, but through Creative Catalyst, we aim to position our artists for the next stage of development, helping them build tangible prototypes that can attract further support, industry interest, and career opportunities.
Industry Engagement: Remix Summit & Beyond 2024
Remix Summit 2025: Shaping the Future of Immersive Storytelling
B3 Associate Artists Hannah Oliver, Gary Riley, and Jay Oliver Yip took center stage at Remix Summit, actively shaping conversations on immersive storytelling. In a panel moderated by Dr Dan Ford (British Underground) and Marc Boothe (B3 Media), artists explored the intersection of emerging technology and diverse narratives in XR.
What the Artists Achieved:
• Presented creative insights on the future of immersive storytelling.
• Engaged with XR funders, industry leaders, and creative technologists.
• Established valuable connections that could lead to new collaborations and industry recognition.
Beyond 2024: Expanding Industry Perspectives
At Beyond 2024, nine B3 artists gained insights into AI, AR, and the future of immersive storytelling within the UK creative tech sector. Hosted at MediaCity in Manchester, the event provided fresh perspectives on industry trends, funding landscapes, and new opportunities for emerging artists.
Fueling Artist Growth: Success Stories from B3’s Funding Labs & Alumni Achievements
B3’s commitment to artist development extends far beyond the initial training—many of our alumni have secured significant funding and industry recognition following their participation.
Comfort Arthur
Arts Council England DYCP Award for AR and game-engine animation.
Jeremiah Brown
Arts Council England Development Award for his immersive storytelling project.
Olu Adaeze
David Lyle Foundation Scholarship for international TV career development.
Marcus Joseph
Jazz Maze VR showcased at WOMEX Worldwide Music Expo.
Janet Marrett
Won Best Short Film at Windrush Caribbean Film Festival, secured Torino Film Lab support.
Eva Edo
Selected for the BBC Writers Pilot Scheme 2024/25.
RCL Graham
Unreal Developer for There Exists, premiered at SXSW Sydney.
Annetta Laufer
Director on Channel 4 drama Get Millie Black (March 2025).
Lara Kobeissi
Nazar VR premiered at D-CAF Festival, Cairo (2024).
These achievements represent just a glimpse of the innovative work emerging from our B3 community. Wishing the rest of our B3 alumni success with their ongoing projects and future creative endeavors. Together, we’re shaping the next generation of immersive storytellers—one bold idea at a time.