Announcing the Audio Artist Pathway
We’re excited to launch the Audio Artist Pathway — a new programme supporting mid-career audio professionals from underrepresented backgrounds to expand their creative practice and explore the audio arts.
Developed as a collaboration between Multitrack and In The Dark, the year-long programme will support a small cohort of experienced audio professionals to develop original artistic work while connecting with new creative networks across the audio arts sector.
The pathway will run from September 2026 to September 2027 and will include mentoring, masterclasses, peer support and opportunities to develop new creative ideas in sound. Participants will also receive a £3,000 stipend to support their time on the programme.
Masterclass sessions and a resource pack will be made publicly available to anyone wishing to expand their creative practice in the audio arts.
Applications open 1 May 2026.
What the programme offers
Over the course of the year, participants will be supported through:
Monthly masterclasses with established audio artists and practitioners
Monthly peer support sessions and group critiques (some remote, some in person at venues across the UK)
6 monthly sessions offering one-to-one mentoring and career support
Connections to venues, funders and networks across the audio arts sector
A £3,000 stipend to support participation and seed-fund new work
Participants will develop an original creative project during the programme, with the opportunity to present their work at the XMTR Audio Arts Festival in St Leonards-on-Sea in 2027.
This presentation could take many forms — including a finished piece, work-in-progress showing, performance, installation or public conversation.
Who the Pathway is for
The Audio Artist Pathway is designed for mid-career audio practitioners with at least five years’ experience working in sound.
You might be:
a radio or podcast producer
a radio documentary maker
a sound designer
a studio manager or mix engineer
a live radio producer
or working in another professional audio role
The programme is aimed at people who already have strong audio production skills but want to expand their practice into new artistic directions.
The pathway is open to UK-based practitioners from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the audio industry, including people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, people from minority ethnic groups, and people who are disabled, neurodivergent or living with a long-term health condition.
We particularly encourage applications from people based outside London and in areas underserved by the arts.
We are particularly interested to hear from those with a professional background in radio or podcast production.
Key dates
Applications open: 1 May 2026
Applications close: 31 May 2026 at midnight
Programme runs: September 2026 – September 2027
How to apply
To apply for the Audio Artist Pathway, start by reading all the information here, and check out the FAQs for the project. You should find all the information you need to understand if you’re eligible for the opportunity, and how to apply. Good luck!
What about the entry Level Multitrack Fellowship - is that happening this year?
No, the entry level Fellowship is not running this year. The Audio Artist Pathway will be Multitrack’s core project for 2026-2027.
