It’s not easy being a budding creative in Britain right now, as grants and bursaries are being cut, art and design courses are being dropped from curriculums, and unpaid internships are keeping all but the mega-wealthy from getting their foot in the door. To help combat this, the Institute of Digital Fashion just announced a new initiative which offers a wad of cold, hard cash, dedicated support and mentorship, and a space to present at the upcoming SXSW London festival, which descends on the UK capital for the first time in June. 

Up for grabs is £3,000 in cash, a solo showcase at SXSW in a Central London location with a drinks reception, high impact digital canvases and holograms, and a massive billboard in Spitalfields advertising the event. Beyond that, you’ll also have your own dedicated technicians to help out with all the tricky stuff, support with press and PR, and access to a professional photographer who will document it all.

“This is an open invitation – whether it’s a performance, a show, or a debate, we want to hear bold ideas that demand attention,” says IoDF co-founder Leanne Elliott Young. “We’re excited to support the next wave of creatives and give them what they truly need: resources, space, and cash to amplify their practice. We launched IoDF to change the industry, and this fund is a tool to do exactly that.” 

Since launching the IoDF in 2018, Elliott Young and co-founder Cat Taylor have carved out a niche exploring future possibilities for the fashion industry – from crafting digital garments, to staging runway shows in the metaverse, to working with brands to diminish waste through better practice methods. They’re also super passionate about opening up and democratising the industry, moving away from the nepotism hires that dominate it right now. 

“This is an open invitation – whether it’s a performance, a show, or a debate, we want to hear bold ideas that demand attention” – Leanne Elliott Young

“This fund is about showing up for our creators, whether you're still in school, freshly graduated, or following your own path,” says Taylor. “We’re backing those with vision, not just resumés. With the tools available, from immersive tech to holograms and digital billboards, we want to give artists the stage and the systems to thrive.”

Head here to apply before April 30.