Open Call: Applications now open for Sounding Off!

Sounding Off is looking for women who will create the sound of the future! The project’s first edition is organized by the Bilkent University Department of Communication and Design, with the support of the United States Embassy in Turkey. The two-day event aims to inspire and connect women interested in music and sound design for audiovisual media.

On 6-7 May 2023, 15 selected participants will be able to attend seminars, talks, and workshops run by leading trainers and industry professionals from Turkey and abroad.

**Transportation and accommodation expenses of all participants will be covered.

Goals
Parallel to the spread of streaming platforms, sound and music for film and television has become a rapidly developing field in Turkey and worldwide. All kinds of visual media production, including movies, documentaries, series, and animation, need a new generation of sound experts and composers in the post-production phase.

This development, on the other hand, is not reflected in terms of gender equality within the field. According to data from institutions such as the Audio Engineering Society and Women’s Audio Mission, the proportion of women in the audio and music industry has remained at roughly 5% since the early 2000s. We can only guess that this rate decreases even more regarding sound and music for post-production purposes.

The Sounding Off program aims to inform future female sound designers, sound engineers, and film score composers about the workings of the industry and contribute to their professional advancement.

During the program, participants will;
• Gain basic notions in the field of audio-video relationship and the use of sound in visual media,
• Have an idea about the audio production and post-production workflow,
• Learn about career options in sound and music for visual media, as well as education programs in Turkey and the USA,
• Establish professional connections that could support them further in their career.

Who can apply?
• The program is for women keen to pursue a career in music and sound production for visual media. The aforementioned female identity includes everyone who feels, accepts, and identifies as a woman.
• Candidates are not required to have an educational background or professional experience in music production, sound design, or sound technologies, but basic knowledge may be preferred.
• Applicants must be over the age of 18 and reside in Turkey.
• Applications from outside Turkey’s metropolitan areas will be encouraged. The project will cover the transportation and accommodation expenses of all participants.

Interested candidates must submit their applications by filling out this form by March 27, 2023 end of day.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtIJUXzMVq2kMSVQ6SrMhwasAqCeZLV26_arCrrsFwg72Clg/viewform

A grant from the United States Embassy in Turkey funds this program. The views, findings, and conclusions expressed here are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the United States Embassy in Turkey.