Checking In On The Black Immersive Creators Grant As Deadline Looms

For the second year in a row the Black Immersive Creators Grant is set to change the creative fate of a maker somewhere in the United States.

We’ve talked about the grant before here on No Proscenium, but with the deadline looming we wanted to check back in with the grant’s board and see where things are with less than a week left for applications.

As a reminder, the grant is open to creators who “self-identify as Black and be based in the United States” and “is open to artists who create primarily immersive experiences, as well as those who are new to the immersive industry who are interested in pushing the boundaries of their existing practice.”

Both early career and established creators at least 18 years of age and based in the United States are eligible.

We spoke with grant board member Karmisha Reeb of Exit Lab Houston a retired Air Force veteran whose passion for immersive experiences led her to open her first escape room in Monterey, CA and later expand to Houston, TX. Reeb’s own interests is leading her to start a PhD at Northeastern University, “studying how escape rooms can serve as an informal STEM learning platform for underrepresented children.”

The following interview was conducted via email and edited for formatting.

No Proscenium: With just a few days left until the grant’s deadline, what’s the field of applicants telling you about the state of things amongst Black immersive creators in 2023?

Karmisha Reeb: It’s truly inspiring to see the incredible range of talented Black creators applying for the grant this year. While I don’t have the exact numbers and details on me, I can say that the passion, innovation, and potential for growth in this space are absolutely phenomenal! The diversity of ideas, narratives, and perspectives we’ve seen so far just goes to show that the future of immersive experiences is bright, inclusive, and has no shortage of creativity. It’s amazing to witness how these creators are embracing new technologies, methodologies, and approaches to storytelling, which ultimately allows audiences to connect with the content in a more personal and meaningful way. We’re beyond excited to see what our applicants have in store for us in 2023 and how their work will shape the landscape of immersive experiences!

NP: Are there any parts of the country, or maybe dimensions of the immersive field, that you expected to see applications from but haven’t as of this interview?

KR: You know, it’s difficult to pinpoint any specific regions or dimensions of the immersive field that we haven’t seen applications from, but what I can say is that we’re always eager to see more creators from all corners of the country and beyond. The beauty of the immersive space is that there’s so much room for exploration, growth, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We encourage all potential applicants to challenge the status quo, and bring their unique ideas to the table. Whether it’s exploring new ways of integrating technology, experimenting with unconventional storytelling techniques, or delving into untapped themes and subject matter, the immersive field is ripe for innovation, and we’re excited to see what fresh ideas and perspectives emerge from this year’s applicants.

NP: If someone is reading this right now is on the fence about applying, what would you tell them?

KR: If you’re on the fence about applying, I just want to say: take the leap! Immersive experiences are a new frontier, and we need as much representation as possible to ensure everyone can enjoy and benefit from these innovative creations. This is an opportunity to be a part of something groundbreaking and to showcase your own cultural perspective in a way that can lead to non-problematic celebrations of culture.

As an escape room owner and designer myself, I’ve often wondered if there was more diversity in the industry, would we still have seen so many prison-themed games? Not everyone has had positive interactions directly or indirectly with the justice system, and those potential customers can be turned off by these themes. My hope is that by increasing diversity and representation in the immersive world, we can avoid repeating the same issues and create experiences that resonate with a broader audience.

So, don’t hesitate — your vision, voice, and talent are exactly what we’re looking for, and we’d love to help you make your mark on this exciting industry! Remember, the more diverse voices we have contributing to the immersive world, the richer, more engaging, and more inclusive our experiences will be. This is your chance to challenge the status quo and truly make a difference in shaping the future of immersive experiences.

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