Organizer Information
This mentoring programme is delivered in partnership between IKLECTIK and East Street Arts, two influential UK-based organizations working at the intersection of experimental art, sound, and artist development.
Founded in 2014 and based in London, IKLECTIK has established itself as a leading platform for interdisciplinary practices that merge sound, performance, technology, and research. The organisation is particularly known for supporting artists who work with spatial and multi-channel sound systems, offering rare opportunities to explore three-dimensional audio environments. IKLECTIK’s curatorial ethos emphasizes sound as an immersive, architectural medium—encouraging artists to think beyond stereo formats and engage audiences in deeply embodied listening experiences.
East Street Arts, based in Leeds, is one of the UK’s most prominent artist-led organisations dedicated to supporting creative practitioners through affordable studio provision, residencies, professional development programmes, and public engagement initiatives. The organisation also operates the UK’s first Art Hostel, designed by artists, and plays a significant role in regional cultural development. Their collaboration ensures both technical excellence and strong artist support frameworks.
Title & Description
Intensive 3D Sound Mentoring Programme for Sound Artists and Musicians
This is a two-day, intermediate-level mentoring programme designed for sound artists and musicians interested in expanding their practice into 3D sound and spatial audio composition. Taking place on 13 and 15 May 2026, the programme offers a structured, hands-on learning environment focused on both conceptual and technical aspects of working with multi-channel sound systems.
Participants will explore how sound can be positioned, moved, and experienced in space, developing compositions specifically for spatial environments. The programme combines guided listening sessions, technical workshops, and live performance experimentation, culminating in a public listening presentation of newly developed works.
A central component of the programme is access to a 16-channel, 3rd-order Ambisonics sound system, a rare and advanced setup that enables artists to compose and perform sound in immersive, three-dimensional formats.
Categories
- Sound Art
- Experimental Music
- Electronic Music
- Audio Performance
- Media Art / Sonic Arts
Eligibility
- Be based in Yorkshire or within approximately one hour of Leeds by train (e.g., Manchester)
- Be 18 years or older
- Have an active practice in sound or music, across any genre (including experimental, noise, electronic, jazz, Afrobeats, etc.)
- Possess a basic working knowledge of audio software such as Reaper, Ableton Live, or Envelop4Live
- Have prior experience in composition or live performance
- Demonstrate a clear interest in spatial audio and 3D sound practices
- Be willing to participate in a collaborative, group-based mentoring environment
The organisers strongly encourage applications from underrepresented communities, including Black, Asian and ethnically diverse artists, disabled artists, and others facing structural barriers within the arts sector.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Hands-on training with a 16-channel Ambisonics spatial sound system
- Mentorship and technical guidance from IKLECTIK artists and team
- Support in developing a new spatial sound work
- Opportunity to present work in a public listening session
- Per diem for both mentoring days
- Return train travel to and from Leeds for in-person sessions
This is a fully funded programme, with no participation fee.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- A short statement (max. 150 words) introducing their artistic practice and motivation for applying
- A second statement (max. 150 words) explaining eligibility and how the programme will support their development
- A CV or artist biography
- Up to 3 links to recent work (SoundCloud, Bandcamp, Spotify, YouTube, Vimeo, or personal website)
Alternative submission formats (e.g., video or audio applications) are accepted for accessibility purposes upon request.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 28 April 2026
- Notification of Results: 1 May 2026
- Programme Dates:
- 13 May 2026 – Day 1 (Composition & Listening)
- 14 May 2026 – Independent Work (Remote)
- 15 May 2026 – Day 2 (Live Practice & Public Sharing)
Location
Leeds – Patrick Studios (East Street Arts), United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The programme is designed for intermediate-level practitioners, not complete beginners in sound production
- Participants are expected to work independently between sessions
- A short 1–3 minute spatial sound piece will be developed and presented publicly
- The mentoring emphasises both technical skills (routing, automation, spatialisation) and artistic development (composition and listening practices)
- The programme is supported by Arts Council England and Goldsmiths, University of London, reinforcing its institutional credibility
- Use of AI in applications is permitted, but responses must reflect the applicant’s authentic voice and experience