UTP_BodyPlace by AprilPhillips_2024_credit_JacquieManning-25

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2025 Immersive Arts Commission

2025 IMMERSIVE ARTS COMMISSION

Over 50 applications were received from artists across Australia. All eligible applications were carefully reviewed by a dedicated selection panel, assembled to reflect a breadth of expertise in practice, technology and audience engagement. The panel assessed proposals on their artistic integrity, conceptual strength and potential to connect with audiences across Western Australia and beyond.

For 2025, the selection panel for the boorda yeyi Immersive Arts Commission included Perun Bonser, Ngarluma dancer and filmmaker; Lisa Reihana, multi-disciplinary international artist; Sophie Penkethman-Young, artist and digital producer; Helen Simondson, founder of ACMI X and Manager of WA Museum Boola Bardip; and Ricky Arnold, Executive Director of ART ON THE MOVE.

Wiradjuri Scottish artist April Phillips has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural boorda yeyi Immersive Arts Commission, valued at $75,000. Merging art, science, technology and the natural world, Phillips’ artwork Under Waters will be an interactive digital immersive installation that invites the viewer to enter, and stay, in a pocket of deep time.

Under Waters will be exhibited at PICA from 19 February – 29 March 2026, before touring regional Western Australia with boorda yeyi’s touring partner, ART ON THE MOVE.

Learn more

Applications for the 2026 Immersive Arts Commission are now open until June 8.

Images: LOOK ▷ SEE (Look to See), 2024. Courtesy of the artist

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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

FOUNDATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

INTENSIVE MENTORSHIP

IMMERSIVE ARTS COMMISSION

REGIONAL TOURING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ADVISORY GROUP

PICA would like to thank our Founding Patron The Ian Potter Foundation, our Principal Patrons 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.

Learn more about PICA

Header image: Michael Jalaru Torres, Nagula Girradiny/Oceans of the Moon, boorda yeyi Intensive Mentorship Open Studio, 2025, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. Photo: Tristan McKenzie.