More Than AI: Sandbox

MyWorld is delighted to announce the second Sandbox Call 'More than AI' is now open for applications.

Watershed is inviting SMEs, artists, designers, technologists and creative practitioners to experiment creatively and propose new distinctive ideas responding to the theme of 'More than AI', recognising it as one of many diverse intelligences in our world.

The Call is part of the IDEAS programme, which supports small companies with high-risk ideas through community building, research and development and audience engagement locally and internationally.

More than AI

"What if, instead of being the thing that separates us from the world, and ultimately supplants us, artificial intelligence is another flowering, wholly its own invention, but one which, shepherded us, leads us to greater accommodation with the world? Rather than being a tool to further exploit the planet and one another, artificial intelligence is an opening to other minds, a chance to fully recognise a truth that has been hidden from us for so long. Everything is intelligent, and therefore- along with many other reasons- is worthy of our care and conscious attention" James Bridle, Ways of Being

The last few years have seen a rapid rise in the power of machine learning and wider access to tools for using it to do ‘human-like’ work (holding conversations, creating images, recognising objects). This has led to much greater public consciousness about the presence of so-called Artificial Intelligence (AI) in many aspects of our daily lives, including much hype and a lot of valid concern.

We think that there are opportunities for new forms of expression and accessibility to be found in AI; but only if makers and thinkers come together to grapple with the complexities of what intelligence is and how we use it.

The methodology we use to support the development of ideas is called Sandbox. Watershed developed this tried-and-tested methodology to bring together teams of brilliant people to test new ideas with generosity and rigour. We will support teams to take an experimental idea to a working prototype over three months of rapid research and development.

Sandbox helps to develop ideas with creative and commercial potential; it is not for finished products or services, or one-off projects. We will fund six teams, up to £45k, and bring them together for a series of workshops offering peer learning and access to creative and business expertise.

What is a Sandbox?

The methodology we will use to support the development of your idea is called Sandbox. Watershed developed this tried-and-tested methodology to bring together teams of brilliant people to test new ideas with generosity and rigour. We will support you in taking an experimental idea to a working prototype over three months of rapid research and development.

Sandbox helps to develop ideas with creative and commercial potential; it is not for finished products or services, or one-off projects. We will fund six teams and bring them together for a series of workshops offering peer learning and access to creative and business expertise.

What do you get?

• A grant of up to £45,000 to fund the development of your idea into a prototype. This can be spent on company time, materials and specialist skills.
• Three Sandbox workshops with all of the six teams to inspire, challenge and upskill you around the theme of More than AI.
• Advice from a Watershed Producer, Industry Experts/Advisors, Business Mentor and Creative Technologist as you develop your prototype.
• Desk space and access to facilities in the Pervasive Media Studio at Watershed in Bristol, connecting you to a vibrant community of artists and creative technologists.
• Support with developing your inclusive practices.
• PR support, showcasing opportunities and feedback events offering the opportunity for discussion/collaboration with both peers and public.
• Access support.
• A short promo film documenting your prototype.

How to apply?

Applications close Monday 18 December 10:00.

All the information is available in the brief. The brief contains a full outline of the opportunity, an overall programme timeline, links to FAQs and surgery bookings and the link to the application form.

If you would like more information before submitting a proposal you can attend a 30-minute surgery with Sandbox Producer and members of the wider team to discuss.

Briefing document

FAQ document

Key dates:

Applications open: 11 October

1-2-1 surgeries open: 30 October

More Than AI information session: 13:30-15:00, 6 November, Pervasive Media Studio

1-2-1 surgeries close: 4 December

Deadline for applications: 18 December

Shortlisted applicants will be notified: 26 January 2024