Celebrating creativity no.253 - the Creative Intelligence Award

Celebrating creativity no.253 - the Creative Intelligence Award

This week, we’re celebrating a new opportunity helping UK creative businesses turn ambitious ideas into experiences audiences can see, hear and interact with.

The Creative Intelligence Award has been launched by CoSTAR National Lab and the Southbank Centre, with support from UKRI. It is inviting applications from UK creative companies and consortia working at the intersection of creativity and emerging technology.

The successful applicant will receive a £50,000 grant alongside a substantial package of practical support. This includes studio time at Pinewood Studios, access to AI computing and cloud credits, technical prototyping support, testing time, mentorship and curatorial and producing guidance.

Projects could use AI, immersive experiences, real-time technology, virtual production or other emerging tools. Applications are welcomed from across the creative industries, including film, games, music, theatre, dance, literature, visual arts, design and architecture.

Importantly, the technology needs to be integral to the creative idea rather than something added for the sake of it. Applicants need a strong concept, a clear development plan and the potential to connect with a wide audience.

That combination of funding, infrastructure and expert support is what makes the award particularly interesting.

Developing an ambitious creative project often requires more than financial backing. Businesses also need access to specialist facilities, technical expertise and the time to test, refine and sometimes completely rethink an idea.

The successful project will ultimately be presented as part of the Southbank Centre’s Creative Intelligence programme in 2027, with the potential to tour nationally and internationally.

A Q&A webinar for prospective applicants takes place at 2pm on Monday 16th November. Applications close at 2pm on Thursday 17th December 2026.

Find out more about the Creative Intelligence Award

➡️ Every Friday, we use the Handle blog and social channels to celebrate the creative industries. If you would like to nominate a business, event, charity or initiative supporting the UK’s creative industries, please get in touch.