Cardiff is set to become the centre of the immersive arts world this summer as the inaugural ANNWN Prize arrives at the Wales Millennium Centre.
Created by Wales Millennium Centre in partnership with Crossover Labs, the new international prize aims to celebrate the very best in digital storytelling and immersive experiences, bringing together some of the world’s most innovative artists working at the cutting edge of technology and creativity.
From a longlist of 25 emerging artists and studios, four finalists have been selected to showcase their work in Cardiff Bay. Each exhibition experience lasts between 45 and 60 minutes and pushes the boundaries of how audiences engage with storytelling.
Among the finalists is Colored / Noire by Novaya, which uses augmented reality and bone-conduction audio technology to transport visitors to 1950s Alabama, placing them alongside civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin as she challenges racial segregation months before Rosa Parks’ famous protest.
Consensus Gentium by Karen Palmer imagines a chilling near-future society where artificial intelligence and surveillance influence every aspect of life. Using facial recognition technology, the experience responds to participants’ emotions and decisions in real time, creating a unique journey for every visitor.
Constantinopoliad by Sister Sylvester blends cinema, literature and live participation, inviting audiences into an exploration of lost archives, memory and identity inspired by the life and writings of poet Constantine Cavafy.
Meanwhile, NOWISWHENWEARE (the stars) by Andrew Schneider transforms visitors into part of an interactive constellation. Combining total darkness, nearly 4,000 reactive LED lights and a 496-channel soundscape, the installation creates a deeply personal experience that encourages reflection on the decisions that shape our lives.
The winner of the ANNWN Prize 2026 will be chosen by an independent panel of industry experts and cultural figures before being announced on Sunday 14 June 2026.
The award will recognise the work that best demonstrates compelling storytelling and immersive artistry, while highlighting the growing importance of digital experiences within the creative industries.
For Cardiff, the arrival of the ANNWN Prize places the city at the forefront of a rapidly evolving art form and offers audiences the chance to experience some of the most innovative creative work being produced anywhere in the world.
You can grab tickets for each individual show from the Wales Millennium Centre and it’s here from the 27th May until 26th June 2026
