Open call: V&A immersive design course

Closing date for applications: 18th January 2026

This is your opportunity to join the V&A for an immersive course exploring galleries and learning to craft interactive environments that tell powerful stories.

The V&A is recruiting a cohort of young creatives to take part in PORTALS, a free immersive storytelling and 3D Design course from February to April 2026. Ready to push the boundaries of design? PORTALS is your chance to reshape museum spaces into imaginative digital worlds. Over 14 sessions, at the V&A and online, you'll explore galleries, create 3D objects, and craft interactive environments that tell powerful stories. You'll gain hands-on 3D design skills, learn from industry experts, and leave with portfolio-ready work. The course will conclude with a public showcase at the V&A, where your ideas take centre stage.

If you're 18-26 and passionate about digital design, gaming, or immersive storytelling, this is your opportunity to experiment, connect, and make something extraordinary.

The course includes:

• A design challenge to explore 3D scanning, digital object building and interactive design for virtual environments, video or social media.
• Technical instruction in 3D digital design
• Editing and curating your digital objects on virtual platforms
• Experimentation with AI tools for concept development
• Branding and portfolio guidance
• Showcase of your work at a V&A Festival
• Talks and mentoring from industry experts

What will I gain from the programme?

• Hands-on experience and skills in 3D digital design
• Opportunities to develop your collaboration, communication, creative and critical thinking skills
• Build content for your digital portfolio
• A chance to showcase your artwork at a public event at the V&A South Kensington
  

Eligibility

This opportunity is for young people interested in developing 3D digital design elements in their creative practice. 15 young people will be selected to explore interactive design and world building through the creation of digital spaces for storytelling, performance, theatre or video game. There are no degree requirements for applying.

Timeline

• Participant selection: 28, 29, 30 January 2026 (20 minutes online interview)
• Participants confirmed by 2nd February 2026
• Course dates: 14 sessions between 19 February and 16 April 2026

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries.

Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.