boorda yeyi, meaning ‘future now’ in Whadjuk Noongar language 
is a three-year immersive arts program that supports artists to expand their practice 
through the use of technology. The program explores how digital tools can deepen 
the concept, meaning and impact of an artwork bridging spatial and sensory boundaries and opening dimensions of experience. With multiple entry points for artists across all career stages and disciplines, boorda yeyi aims 
to contribute to new ways of understanding, producing and experiencing contemporary art in Australia, 
with PICA at the forefront of this creative investigation.
PLATFORM 1
FEBRUARY 2027
FOUNDATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
2-Day Foundational Symposium (Free)
An intensive weekend of presentations and demonstrations from technologists, theorists and artists working at the forefront of immersive art. This two-day introductory program offers those curious about immersive art an opportunity to familiarise themselves with a selection of emerging technologies while learning about inter-disciplinary collaboration, data ethics, audience engagement, funding avenues and forging new connections with others working in the field.
This program is free and open to Western Australian artists only. Travel bursaries are available for selected artists living in regional or remote WA.
This program is now closed for expressions of interest for 2026.
PLATFORM 2
MARCH 2027
INTENSIVE MENTORSHIP
3-month Intensive Mentorship (Paid Participation)
This program matches artists with a team of developers, technologists and/or programmers to work collaboratively on the development of an immersive artwork prototype. Artists receive a participation fee and ongoing feedback from a selection of mentors to refine their concepts and execution. Participants will meet in person and online throughout the program to share their progress. At the conclusion of the program, an Open Studio event is held where artists can share their work with industry and the general public at PICA.
This program is now closed for expressions of interest for 2026.
PLATFORM 3
MAY 2027
IMMERSIVE ARTS COMMISSION
This national commission invites Australian artists to create major new immersive artworks
Valued at $75,000, the Immersive Arts Commission supports new forms of artistic expression, capturing the immense potential of immersive technology to transform how a viewer encounters an idea. The commissioned work premieres as part of PICA’s annual program before touring regional Western Australia in partnership with ART ON THE MOVE. This program is open to all artists working across Australia.
This program is now closed for expressions of interest for 2026.
PLATFORM 4
REGIONAL TOURING
Tour, Training and Community Engagement
After its premier at PICA, the annual Immersive Arts Commission will embark on a tour across regional and remote Western Australia, bringing meaningful art experiences to communities and places. Toured through our partnership with ART ON THE MOVE, works will be accompanied by learning resources designed to enhance accessibility and foster deeper engagement with local audiences, artists and schools.
The 2025 Commission will tour across Western Australia in 2026/27, followed by the 2026 Commission touring in 2027/28.
PICA would like to thank our Founding Patron The Ian Potter Foundation, our Principal Patrons the Feilman Foundation and Lotterywest, and our Touring Partner ART ON THE MOVE.
The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) is a non-profit, multi-arts organisation situated in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre on Whadjuk Noongar boodja in Western Australia. Since 1989, we have worked as a development and presenting organisation, delivering curated programs of exhibitions, contemporary dance, experimental theatre, new music and live art by Australian and international artists.
PICA is recognised as a leader at the intersection of art forms and champions artists who challenge boundaries. We provide studio, event, learning and access programs that forge connections between artists and audiences across cultures and geographies. We are committed to creating sustainable pathways for artists, working with them throughout their careers, remaining responsive to their changing needs and the evolving arts landscape.
Header video features: Under Waters, Friends with Computers (April Phillips, Pat Younis, Jordan East), boorda yeyi Foundational Symposium 2026, Michael Jalaru Torres, Nagula Girradiny/Oceans of the Moon, 2025, Emerald Lay, Miii (မီး) boorda yeyi Intensive Mentorship 2026, Cassandra Tytler, Catherine Gough-Brady and W. Sze Tsang, ARia Song Unseen, boorda yeyi Intensive Mentorship 2025, Ken Meyer, SIGNAL/NOISE boorda yeyi Intensive Mentorship 2026, Video compiled by Edwin Sitt.
Header images: Jacky Connolly, Hudson Valley Ruins, 2016, production still, image courtesy of the artist; Heather Dewey Hagborg and Chelsea E. Manning, Probably Chelsea, 2018, installation view, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. Photo: Alessandro Bianchetti; XR Hackathon Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, 2022. Photo: Olivia Senior; Diana Baker Smith, Falling Towards Another (A Score for the Void), 2024. Image courtesy of the artist; pvi collective, tiny revolutions, 2019, installation view, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. Photo: David Cox Media.
