A BUBWITH-based arts company which has created work for global music stars is chasing further success in the public arts market after winning a £28,000 funding package.

KMA, which develops cutting-edge technical pieces of film, music, theatre and public art installations, has received the funding from the Yorkshire Innovation Fund (YIF).

The firm’s work has been shown around the globe, from Shanghai to Trafalgar Square, and has included live visuals and interactive projections for Paolo Nutini and Prince, with the KMS team currently working on a feature-length film adaptation of Macbeth.

Through the YIF programme, the company will undertake its latest challenge: a research development project with York St John University, which aims to re-develop the business model to capitalise on the company’s reputation within the public arts market.

The research will be conducted by Dr Eirini Nedelkopoulou from York St John, whose expertise focuses on participation within interactive and digital art and performance pieces and will inform the development of new art installations.

Tom Wexler, co-owner of KMA, said: “The cost of entry into our market is very high, placing strain on the process of creation.

“We hope to develop lower cost installations that are infused with the same interests and values as our large-scale works, which will also benefit from the marketing innovations to encourage longer-term engagement with audiences and potential customers.

“This research funding will enable us to work with Eirini to undertake research that is cross-disciplinary, examining commercial gaming sectors, live performance theory and audience behaviours to inform our business model.”

The YIF funding follows a joint smaller innovation project between KMA and York St John University last year, also led by Dr. Nedelkopoulou, which helped the company to examine how audiences react and engage with a particular work.

York St John University has supported projects across Yorkshire through the YIF project. This latest award takes the total York St John has given out under the YIF scheme to more than £150,000.