The SOUND/IMAGE Research Centre invites composers, sound artists, researchers, and industry practitioners to propose talks, workshops, performances, and installations for Sonic Spheres.
Sonic Spheres is a one-day combined conference and evening concert dedicated to exploring, performing, and critically reflecting on creative approaches to spatial audio - particularly through composing and performing with the IKO loudspeaker. The conference is taking place in the Fireworks Factory at Woolwich Works on Saturday 9 May 2026.
This 2026 edition foregrounds hands-on practice, experimentation, and reflection, focusing on composing, performing, analysing, and building for both singular and multiple IKO loudspeakers. The IKO is both instrument and system: an immersive environment for spatial composition, diffusion, and live performance.
We actively encourage submissions from artists, researchers, and practitioners of all backgrounds, especially those historically underrepresented.
Special consideration will be given to students, apprentices, and emerging practitioners.
Submission categories
Talks & Workshops
We welcome proposals including, but not limited to:
- Compositional strategies for spherical loudspeakers
- Case studies of works created for IKO or comparable systems
- Innovative spatial audio software, hardware, or hybrid systems
- Applications of spatial audio in VR/AR/XR, gaming, installation, and audiovisual contexts
- The IKO loudspeaker as instrument
- Development of new performance practices for immersive audio
- Embodied and perceptual experiences of immersive sound(Spatial) sound and environment
- DIY and experimental approaches to spatialisation
- New instruments, controllers, or systems for spatial audio creation
- Critical reflections on the aesthetics, philosophy, or politics of immersive sound
Submission Requirements
- Title
- Abstract (max. 500 words) including 3–5 keywords
- Workshops and practical demonstrations should clearly outline format, duration, and technical requirements
- Author biography (max. 300 words)
- Presentation Format - 15-minute presentation + 5-minute Q&A
- In-person attendance required
- Suitable for early-stage research through to fully developed projects
- Screen and stereo playback provided
Performances & Installations
We welcome artistic proposals engaging directly with one to three IKO loudspeakers with loudspeaker orchestra.
Acousmatic / Fixed Media
- Up to 15 minutes
- Ambisonic / IKO works must include a stereo reduction for review
Live Performance
- Up to 20 minutes
- Must clearly articulate how the IKO loudspeaker will be used
- Genres may include live electronics, live coding, mixed music, experimental performance
Installations
- Flexible duration
- Must specify spatial configuration and technical requirements
Submission Requirements
Proposals are not anonymised
- Title
- Programme notes (max. 350 words)
- Author/performer biography (max. 300 words)
- Technical and logistical requirements
- Non-expiring access links (Drive, Dropbox, etc.). Please ensure all links remain accessible. Inaccessible or expiring links will result in the work not being considered.
Practical Information
- Maximum of three submissions per artist across all categories
- Separate submission form required for each proposal
- Works must be under 15 minutes (excluding installations)
- In-person attendance required
- All artists are required to purchase a conference day pass at the reduced rate of £20). This fee provides support for technical support etc.
- You will be required to register an account with Microsoft CMT to submit your work.
- Peer review is double-blind for all submissions
About the application portal
The Microsoft CMT service was used for managing the peer-reviewing process for this conference. This service was provided for free by Microsoft and they bore all expenses, including costs for Azure cloud services as well as for software development and support.
Enquiries
For all enquiries, please contact: sound-image@greenwich.ac.uk
How to Apply
Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 8 April 2026
Notification of Acceptance: 10 April 2026
To apply, please complete the application form.