Some of the biggest names in art, culture and entertainment are coming together to crown the winner of the first global award celebrating excellence in immersive storytelling.

Wales Millenium Centre has today, Friday 15 May, announced the judging panel for the inaugural Annwn Prize. Chaired by the Centre’s Chairman, Peter Swinburn, the panel brings together artist, filmmaker and musician Larry Achiampong; critic and writer Arifa Akbar; culture and creative industries leader Sir Peter Bazalgette; musician and community builder Charlotte Church and writer-director Charlotte Regan.

“The Annwn Prize was created to recognise the extraordinary artists redefining how stories are experienced. Bringing together such an accomplished and wide-ranging group, we are creating the conditions for a thoughtful and rigorous conversation about what excellence in this emerging artform looks like today - and where it can go next. Each brings a deep understanding of storytelling’s power to evolve and resonate in new ways, grounding the Prize in a perspective that recognises both where the artform stands now and where it is heading.”

_{- Graeme Farrow Chief Creative and Content Officer, Wales Millennium Centre}

The winner will be announced on Sunday 14 June 2026 as part of a major exhibition of the shortlisted works at Wales Millennium Centre. Running from 27 May – 26 June 2026, the exhibition gives UK audiences the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most innovative immersive storytelling in one place.

The Annwn Prize celebrates story-driven work created through creative technology - recognising experiences that make audiences feel like an active and integral part of the piece, and that expand the boundaries of storytelling and audience engagement.

The Annwn Prize’s inaugural shortlist features four groundbreaking works from France, Greece, the UK and USA, each pushing the boundaries of how stories can be experienced.

Chosen by a panel of international curators and commentators, the works on display invite audiences to explore four incredibly varied experiences through augmented reality, branching film, expanded cinema and interactive theatrical installation. Commended for their bold originality, emotional depth and innovative use of technology, the four shortlisted works are: Colored / Noire by Novaya; Consensus Gentium by Karen Palmer; Constantinopoliad by Sister Sylvester and NOWISWHENWEARE (the stars) by Andrew Schneider

Supported by Peter and Janet Swinburn, the winning artist or studio will be awarded £20,000 along with a bespoke residency to support the development of new work.