Festival ’26 Open Call – Sonic Lab Ambisonics
In the last year, the Sonic Lab at SARC has gone through a significant upgrade and we invite work that can take advantage of the multiple spatial audio systems in place.
Deadline for this open call is the 31st August 2025.
In addition to the 40 channel ambisonics/Dolby Atmos speaker system surrounding the audience at four elevation levels, the Sonic Lab now features a frontal 42 channel Wave Field Synthesis array (Genelec) and an IKO Speaker in the centre of the space. The three systems can be combined to take advantage of the unique characteristics of each technology. The Atmos/Ambisonics system provides an immersive environment through equally distanced speakers from a centre point, the Wave Field Synthesis features highly accurate frontal localisation as well as distance beyond the array, while the IKO speaker allows for a highly sculptural approach to spatial audio in the centre of the room through Higher Order Ambisonics.
To apply, please complete the submission form and submit a proposal (in PDF format) containing:
- Proposal Title
- Names and roles of all artists involved
- Description of proposed work, including approximate duration (20min max, shorter preferred)
- Technical requirements, indicating what you will provide and what you expect Sonorities to provide
- Download link for audio files*
*Note that only works in Higher Order Ambisonics format will be considered for this call. It is the responsibility of submitting artists to ensure that the link provided is operational until the end of the open call review period (i.e. end of September 2025). Avoid using platforms such as WeTransfer due to expiring links.
Artists selected through this open call without access to funding from an academic institution will receive a fee (£100 per local artist, £250 per artist traveling to Belfast to offset travel expenses). Up to three nights’ accommodation can be provided upon request. Sonorities can also provide a letter of support to assist with funding applications to cover additional costs.