Labs & Showcases
diverse • creative tech-driven • dynamic
We learn best by doing.
Labs & Showcases is a quarterly programme of expert-led workshops and support that culminates in a local exhibition of works. The programme provides a supported environment for you to try new things, expand your network, apply new skills to your practice and come away with a proof-of-concept to show for it.
Beginning with an introductory session open to all, each programme focuses on a particular medium or tool within immersive & VR creative disciplines, bringing leaders in these fields together with a cohort of creatives (selected from open call). Participants are invited to get hands-on with new technology and apply their learning to create a tangible (if virtual) piece of new work, using our Digital Hub facilities and 1-2-1s to help realise your work
2025’s programmes focused on 360 filming/photography, painting in VR, photogrammetry, and immersive sound. 2026 begins with a focus on creative uses of AI.
Upcoming & Ongoing Labs and Showcases
Screen South Showcase Artists 2026-7 Open Call
Screen South is inviting applications from digital artists across all media to be one of our ten annual showcase artists, to be supported to take a project currently in progress to completion and exhibition. Deadline 30 October.
Lightscapes 2026-27 – Call For Artists & Creatives (Applications Now Closed)
Screen South is offering the opportunity for 10 artists and creatives to take part in the next edition of Lightscapes - a supported programme exploring the creative possibilities of projection mapping and immersive digital art. Applications are now closed.
Industry Day 2026
Folkestone Documentary Film Festival 2026 Industry Day brings filmmakers, artists and documentary enthusiasts together for panels, case studies, networking, industry advice, funding insights and collaboration opportunities. Screen South is making 20 places available for free to members of BFI Film Academy South East.
About Showcase Artists 2025-6
Screen South's Showcase Artists are a cohort of creatives receiving bespoke support to bring their projects to completion. Their projects span art forms, including textiles, performance, dance, sound, textiles, ceramics and CGI. Read more about the artists and their work here.
Past Labs & Showcases
Filmmaking Challenge 2026 (applications now closed)
Folkestone Documentary Festival Filmmaking Challenge is a county-wide creative programme that encourages people across Kent to make short, accessible documentary films rooted in their local environment, communities and stories. The Challenge is open to filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds, including schools, colleges, community groups and all aspiring filmmakers.
FLAMIN: Funding & Opportunities For Artists’ Moving Image
Screen South is delighted to host Film London Artists’ Moving Image Network (FLAMIN) for an informal evening exploring funding, development and support opportunities for artists working across moving image, animation, artists’ games, immersive and expanded screen practices.
Sea Change: Movement, Water and Filming the Body
In this practical one-day lab, artist-filmmaker Emma Critchley and dance artist Maya Carroll invite dancers, filmmakers and creative practitioners to explore their shared practice of film and movement in relation to water.
Screening: Dance Digital: Sadler’s Wells Commissioned Shorts + Q&A
Sadler’s Wells’ Dance Digital comes to Folkestone with six newly commissioned shorts exploring dance on screen in bold, cinematic ways, from underwater encounters to nightclubs, domestic memories, beauty rituals and intergenerational time. This screening is followed by an in-person Q&A with director Emma Critchley and dancer Maya Carroll.
Music Videos In May 2026 – Showcase & Celebration
Join us to celebrate four new music videos made by local artists and directors.
Music Videos in May
Music Videos In May offers musicians and directors from Kent the chance to create a music video with expert support and pro facilities.
Everything You Need To Know About The Screen Sector Tax Incentives
Anna Mansi, BFI Director of Video Games & Certification, will guide you through the essentials of making a successful application across feature film, short film, HETV, animation tv, children’s tv, video games and immersive/VR.
Music Videos In May 2026 – Meet The Cohort
Meet the artists and directors making 2026's music videos
Documentary Storytelling: Securing Funding
In this intensive 2-hour session, acclaimed documentary producer and documentary industry expert Charlie Phillips breaks down the essential components of a compelling documentary package - what commissioners, funders, and partners actually want to see, and how to communicate your story’s value with clarity and impact.
Low Budget Feature Production
The Low Budget Production Lab is a free two-day workshop teaching you to create high-quality productions with minimal resources, led by expert guest tutor Bill Thomas.
Unfolding Worlds – Showcase & John Gerrard Artist Talk
We are delighted to preview five new works developed by a cohort of artists during the Screen South Unfolding Worlds Lab using the UNREAL Engine.
