Experiential Story Lab

This team is interested in the full spectrum of narrative possibility – from the analogue to the algorithmic – and how archives, memory and emerging technologies like AI can be woven into new forms of experiential storytelling.

The key to this approach is the audience – and their essential role in shaping a story.

ESL draws on the strengths of the Department of Communications, Drama and Film at the University of Exeter, and collaborates closely with colleagues working in publishing, creative writing, entrepreneurship and digital media – forming an interdisciplinary community committed to innovation in storytelling.

The Lab brings together creatives, academics and industry to test ideas, prototype and explore storytelling as a tool for connection, reflection and change. In addition to prototyping, ESL will offer consultancy and executive education for cultural and commercial partners seeking to design meaningful narrative experiences.

Made possible with seed funding from HASS, the Lab is led by the directors of The Literary Platform. They are supported in the development of ESL by a core team of academics and practitioners at the University of Exeter, and collaborate with to commercial and brand partners.

A prototyping session will take place on June 6 with ESL directors, core team and industry collaborators. A special issue of online literary journal The Lit will be dedicated to the theme of experiential storytelling.

If you’re a researcher interested in getting involved in ESL, a brand or business interested in exploring immersive storytelling, or have an experiential story idea, email project lead Dr Anna Kiernan at a.l.p.kiernan@exeter.ac.uk.