Immersive and Inclusive: Advancing Equity in Education and Practice
Interest in immersive sound has been expanding over the last decade, having recovered from the lack of a robust market for technologies such as Super Audio CD (SACD) and Digital Versatile Disc Audio (DVD-Audio) from the early part of the century. Now, immersive audio formats including MPEG-I, Dolby Atmos, Sony 360, DTS:X, and others show new promise in industries such as film, television, gaming, podcasts, and music production. However, while the tools and techniques have evolved, access to opportunities for sustainable careers using immersive audio has remained inequitable for women and minorities (underrepresented groups or UGs) who aspire to work in studios with commercial impact. This keynote addresses the critical need for equity and inclusion in careers where immersive audio is at the forefront.
Dr Leslie Gaston-Bird, Past President of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) and founder of Immersive and Inclusive Audio (IIA), will share in this keynote how strategic leadership and inclusive initiatives can address systemic Barriers to Entry and Discouraging Influences (BEDIs) in audio technology fields. Dr Gaston-Bird will highlight evidence-based strategies for fostering inclusive educational environments and increasing participation from underrepresented groups, showcasing initiatives like IIA that have leveraged targeted training and certifications in cutting-edge technologies such as Dolby Atmos and Pro Tools to create transformative career opportunities for UGs worldwide. By certifying over 40 participants from countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, the USA, UK, Sweden, Mexico, and Germany, this program has not only diversified the field but also empowered individuals to take on roles for high-profile studios and labels.
IIA and other organizations have thus created lasting frameworks for equity in the professional audio industry. These efforts have amplified the voices UGs, helping to build an industry culture that values diverse perspectives and experiences.
Key themes will include: safe spaces, mentorship, international impact, support networks, and role models. Dr Gaston-Bird will present actionable recommendations for educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to build an equitable future for audio education and practice. These include adopting inclusive spaces and teaching strategies, leveraging partnerships to enhance access to resources, and advocating for systemic changes in industry hiring and promotion practices. Through case studies and data-driven insights, this keynote will show how we can enact meaningful change in the field of immersive audio.
Abstract coming soon!
