Funding Futures

Tackling inequality and exclusion in the distribution of Creative Industries R&D funding

XR Stories has established the Funding Futures collective to tackle inequality and exclusion in the distribution of research and innovation funding.

The collective is a group of UK universities responsible for distributing research and development funding specifically within the creative and digital sectors, united by a shared aim to bring about tangible change through inclusive practice, whether that be across the protected characteristics or in areas such as career stage or geographical location.

On 17 April 2026, the Funding Futures group came together at The Guildhall in York for a half-day symposium designed and facilitated by the XR Stories project at the University of York and Ida Studio.

With many members already evaluating the barriers to access and inclusion that exist within their specific funding infrastructures, the symposium provided a forum to share case studies, perspectives and practical methods for reducing barriers to different applicant groups.

The symposium revealed a number of cross-cutting themes that are detailed in a report, ‘Funding Futures: Tackling inequality and exclusion in the distribution of research and development funding in the Creative Industries’. 

The themes paint a stark picture of a funding system under pressure where the structural conditions that shape how money is distributed are often at odds with the equity and inclusion commitments made by funding distributors.

Emma Brown, Deputy Director, XR Stories comments: “Through our own work to help shape a more inclusive creative technology sector, we’ve discovered a strong and shared appetite across many other UK universities responsible for distributing R&D funding. 

“As individual projects our efforts are undoubtedly bringing about improvements, but access and inclusion barriers remain widespread. Funding Futures provides a powerful collective voice aiming to drive meaningful funding reform in addition to supporting local best practice. We look forward to welcoming more contributors from across the funding ecosystem.”

Published on 24 June 2026