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PHI IMMERSIF
The residency
PHI Immersive is a 4-week intensive residency program with PHI Studio in Montréal (Canada) that is centred on the development phase of an immersive project, including but not limited to new media, extended reality technologies (VR, AR, MR), AI driven projects, and immersive sound or audio.
The selected artist will work alongside PHI Studio specialists to conceptualize, plan, and prototype their project. Throughout the residency, the project will receive personalized support, workspace, and select resources to develop and refine its concept, create a prototype, and prepare the project for eventual production.
→ French information session: May 14, 2024, at 11 AM EDT
→ English information session: May 16, 2024, at 11 AM EDT
To apply
Deadline to submit the application form:
June 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM EDT
Please refer to the sections “Toolkit” and “Frequently asked questions” below for access to application resources and detailed information about the selection process, criteria, and the specifics of the PHI Immersive residency.
PHI Immersive 2024-2025
Residency location: Montréal, Québec, Canada
PHI Immersive residency period: March 3 to 28, 2025 (4 weeks)
Schedule overview
Week 1 — Amplify and shape
During this phase, the artist immerses themselves in the world of the PHI Studio, connecting with its team to elaborate, explore and develop the concept and establishing the production schedule and specify the stages, framework and form of the project.
Week 2 — Conceive and iterate
This phase marks the start of the development of the concept of the work. The artist, supported by the PHI Studio expertise, explores the possible design and forms of the experience, within the presentation context.
Week 3 — Prototype and adjust
The artist undergoes a five-day sprint in the form of a workshop to develop and design the user experience of the project, the technical operations, and the start and end of the experience with the support of the PHI Studio team.
Week 4 — Optimising and planning what's next
The artist takes part in a second five-day sprint and carries out iterations on the first prototype. After a meeting with the funding team, the artist draws up a financial plan and targets funding opportunities for the rest of the project.
What artists are saying
"My favourite part [of the residency] is time; just having time with my project, going through the ideas, getting to know it on a deeper level, and understanding how I should communicate it to other people [...]."
— Ismaila Jallow, PHI Immersive 2023-2024
"The people I met here, their competence in different fields, the exchange of knowledge, and being inspired by the way people at PHI talk about creative processes, as well as VR as a form of expression [were my favourite parts of the residency]."
— Filip Myrberg, PHI Immersive 2023-2024
Program details
Selected application will receive:
Support for project development: Tailored support and mentorship from PHI Studio during the residency that may include conceptualization, creation, scenography, production, technical, development and programming support, or other PHI Studio expertise detailed in the “Toolkit” section.
Access to PHI resources: Access to certain PHI material, technical and technological resources during the residency, depending on their availability.
Video profile production: Creation of a video profile to be broadcast across PHI networks (social media, website, etc.).
Network access: Leveraging PHI's extensive network of collaborators.
The PHI Immersive program does not include funding. PHI Immersive is a residency where the support provided comes via access to mentors, facilities, expertise, and networks. If you are applying for external funding or bursaries, we are happy to help with any official documentation that you might need.
Eligibility requirements:
Be an established or emerging local or international artist or small production company.
Have an immersive project in the development phase and want to carry it out as part of the residency.
Collectives of artists are eligible (up to 4 members). The conditions offered remain the same as solo artists.
Toolkit
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PHI Immersive information sessions
PHI will hold two online information sessions:
→ French information session: May 14, 2024, at 11 AM EDT
→ English information session: May 16, 2024, at 11 AM EDT
To attend, please click on the link of the appropriate session above.
We invite you to send us your questions by email before the session. For more information on the application process, the selection process and the residency, you can send your questions to [email protected]
Frequently asked questions
The selection will be undertaken by a committee composed of PHI staff and invited external professionals who reflect a diverse set of expertise and perspectives and lived experiences.
The originality of the project and narrative, its contribution to diversifying creative endeavours, its conceptual and technical rigour, and its innovative approach (50%);
The project's feasibility across conceptualization, prototyping, and production stages, considering both its technical viability and budgetary practicality.(30%);
History of executed works and portfolio (20%).
International applicants are eligible. Selected artists and collectives will have to stay in Montréal (Canada) during the 4 weeks of the residency.
Lodging and travel are not provided as part of the residency. International artists and collectives are responsible for securing their working permits and other travel documentation if applicable.
International artists and collectives are responsible for researching and obtaining the necessary travel documents, vaccination records, and/or working permits for their time in Montréal, depending on the status of the applicant. PHI can provide letters of confirmation to aid with this process.
PHI will offer no funding, but that does not prevent you from seeking additional funding elsewhere to support your costs. We can provide official documentation to help you in your applications for funding.
Yes, collectives of up to 4 members are eligible for the residency.
We reserve the option to produce the project if it aligns with PHI’s global vision and strategy.
No, the artist will retain the Intellectual Property of their project, but PHI could request the first option for co-production, distribution, or exhibition.
Yes, we encourage artists with a strong concept or idea looking to transition their practice into an immersive environment. We are looking for an innovative storyline and story world.
Yes, we have working spaces available. PHI Immersive is a residency program providing access to select PHI facilities during residency. Access to these spaces will be managed by the person in charge of coordinating the PHI Immersive project, according to the needs of each artist. The artist in residence will also be able to visit the spaces of the PHI Foundation during the reception period.
No, we don't expect any project to have one singular space in mind.
Absolutely, there will be the possibility of borrowing some PHI equipment during the residency period depending on the availability.
The PHI spaces are partially accessible for those with reduced mobility, although additional assistance may be required and can be arranged with artists who require it.
There is no application fee.
Already completed projects are not eligible for this residency. Your proposed project may be a continuation of a past series, but must integrate new elements to be workshopped during the residency period.
We highly recommend that an artist focus on one single project application, to submit the best of this work.
Yes; all participating artists will be asked to sign a Letter of Agreement with PHI.
Applicants may voluntarily add their date of births into the Voluntary Self-Declaration section of the application. This is not required, but helps us assess the diverse age range of the artists applying for residency.
All applicants are notified once the selection process is complete.
Any other questions?
Contact us!
About PHI
PHI is a cultural infrastructure dedicated to supporting contemporary art and artists probing the key agenda of our times, and facilitating access between them and the public. Composed of three entities — PHI Studio, PHI Foundation, and PHI Centre — PHI is guided by values that include generosity, rigour, the importance of community, and devotes itself to the innovation and evolution of cultural experiences that both challenge and delight.
To reiterate its commitment to supporting local artistic communities, and to help shape the art of tomorrow, PHI offers three artistic residency programs annually: North, Montréal and Immersive. Although each residency meets different artists’ needs, our common mission is to provide our artists in residence with the tools, support, and impetus they need to expand the scope of their practice and take it to the next level.
