About The Program

The Creative Solutions Residency Program (CSRP) is an eight-month digital storytelling residency with a focus on utilizing immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), immersive audio and haptics. Residents of the CSRP program will tap into the creative process and learn the entrepreneurial, technical and storytelling foundations of immersive technologies developed by Ithra’s Idea Lab: Design thinking, Co-creation, and Open innovation. Residents will be guided by global experts in immersive tech, culminating in the production of working prototypes. At the end of the program, residents will showcase their prototypes in a private exhibition targeting investors and industry professionals.









Objectives

Creative_solutions_objectives.png
  • To create a body of original, marketable content utilizing immersive technologies
  • To enrich the immersive reality ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • To support individuals in developing their technical and entrepreneurial skills in the world of immersive technology

 





Join Us! Your concept could win awards

Every year, the CSRP runs an open call to attract creatives from all over the Kingdom. Up to 15 applications will be selected to enter the first round of the program, which includes participating in 15 masterclasses to work on a pitch for the projects. On Pitching Day, all pitches will be reviewed by a panel of judges, but only five projects will make it to the final round, during which the residents will utilize the remaining four months of the residency to develop their pitches into a working prototype.

The program is designed to be delivered in a hybrid setup, so residents will be able to choose if they will attend the masterclasses in person or virtually. For those who want to attend the masterclasses in person, the program will cover all transportation and housing expenses.

 The CSRP is suitable for full-time employees, as Masterclass sessions take place on weekends from June 2 to August 12, 2023.





Residents of the program will undergo:

Creative soluations demo day_2-9-2022_Ahmed Althani_-36-min.jpg
  •  XR related masterclasses
  •  Entrepreneurial skills Development and Technical (Game engine) Skill development
  • Mentorship with experts
  • Engagement with strategic networks
  • Access to tools, knowledge and lab infrastructure of the Idea Lab
  • Opportunities to pitch ideas to potential investors and collaborators
  • Finalists will receive funds, along with immersive tech mentorship to further develop their projects into working prototypes, which will be showcased in a private exhibition at the end of the program. Investors and industry professionals will be in attendance, to promote networking opportunities.




Target Audience

Creative soluations demo day_2-9-2022_Ahmed Althani_-42-min.jpg
  • Filmmakers
  • Multimedia designers
  • Game designers
  • Graphic designers
  • Animators
  • Artists
  • Architects
  • Writers
  • Musicians
  • UX designers
  • Entrepreneur




Timeline

1

Open Call: (February 1, 2023 - April 26, 2023)

2

Selection process: (April 13 – May 18, 2023) 

3

Masterclasses (June 2, 2023 – August 12, 2023)

4

Pitching Day (August 26, 2023)

5

Development Phase (September 4, 2023 – December 21, 2023)

6

Demo-day (2024) 

Ithra

Advisory Committee In 2023

FAQs

What are the objectives of the program?

●      Develop original creative content, experiences and marketable solutions.

●      Build an ecosystem of innovators that support the growth of the creative economy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

●      Support professional skills development.

●      Promote knowledge sharing.

What are the key dates for the Program? 

 

  • Creative solutions 2023 Open call period: February 1, 2023 – April 26, 2023
  1.  Awareness webinars – (February 15, 2023 and March 15, 2023)
  2. Ideation Session – (February 20, 2023 and March 20, 2023)
  3. Eco-tour locations: (Riyadh, Jeddah, Tabuk, Abha, Alhassa)
  • Selected cohorts’ announcement: May 18, 2023
  • Onboarding event: June 1, 2023
  • Masterclasses: June 2, 2023 – August 12, 2023
  • Development phase: September 4, 2023 – December 21, 2023
  • Creative Solutions Demo-day event: 2024

*Timelines are approximate and can be subject to change

How do I apply to join the program?

Complete the full application forو

 

After your application has been received, it will be analyzed and, if needed, a phone call might be arranged to discuss your application. 

Will masterclasses be virtual or does it require physical attendance? 

The participants will be able to choose if they will attend the masterclasses in person or virtually. The Creative Solutions program is designed to be delivered in a hybrid set up. For those who still want to come to the masterclass, if they are occurring physically at the Ithra Center, then the program will cover the costs.

Over The Years

For better web experience, please use the website in portrait mode