REACT was a four year project, dedicated to getting academia and businesses working together. We connected researchers from the arts and humanities with creative businesses to make brilliant new prototype products or services.

Between 2012 and 2016, we  supported a slate of innovative projects which responded to the changing world of business and society. This involved developing new systems and approaches to collaborative R&D, working with a dazzling range of creatives, businesses, researchers and experts.

REACT was a collaboration between UWE Bristol, Watershed, and the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter.  We were one of four Knowledge Exchange Hubs for the Creative Economy funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) 

Heritage Sandbox explored how the ways we experience our historical places, spaces and objects could be revolutionised by new technologies.

Books & Print Sandbox asked how we can use the affordances of new technologies to read, write and tell stories in imaginative new ways. 

Future Documentary Sandbox asked how can we hold on to what is great about documentary - its ability to elicit empathy, impart wisdom and inspire change - whilst exploring the new forms enabled by the internet, mobile phones and changing audience behaviours. 

Objects Sandbox explored the next chapter in the story of both objects and the Internet, through the Internet of Things. The emphasis was on the interactions and experiences that exist between an individual and connected, physical objects.

Play Sandbox supported collaborations to develop new products or services for children through a process of collaborative design with 7-12 year olds.