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Bath Spa University hosts inaugural Immersive Audio Network Festival

Monday, 2 February, 2026

Bath Spa University was proud to host the first ever Immersive Audio Network (IAN) Festival at its Newton Park campus on Wednesday 28 January. 

The day-long festival celebrated spatial audio innovation with an eclectic lineup of workshops, talks and listening experiences, offering a unique opportunity for immersive audio creators at all levels to engage with cutting-edge spatial audio techniques, network with leaders in the field, and experience pioneering 3D audio soundscapes in a supportive, inspiring environment. 

Festival-goers had the opportunity to explore various workshops including an Immersive Audio Recording Techniques workshop led by Grammy Award winning mixing engineer and producer Andrew Scheps, get bespoke technical and creative advice at ‘Ask the Expert’ stations and enjoy live performances by IAN Sound Artist in Residence Emika

A young woman making music on various keyboards and other equipment

Established in 2023 by Co-Director of BSU’s Centre for Creative and Cultural Industries (CCCI) Dr Ruth Farrar and MyWorld, the Immersive Audio Network (IAN) is a creative community dedicated to advancing spatial audio practice. It provides funded sound artist residencies, training, and events and connects artists, producers, engineers, and enthusiasts across the West of England and beyond. 

Summing up the day, Ruth said: 

"Our attendees' energy and enthusiasm made our first Immersive Audio Network Festival feel so special. It was a brilliant mix of emerging talent, established artists, musicians, engineers and studios coming together to create such a friendly, supportive and creative environment, all united in our curiosity about the exciting future of spatial immersive audio." 

 

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