Leeds Beckett University to Host VASTA 2024 Leeds Symposium

The conference will take place at Leeds School of Arts, bringing together voice practitioners and enthusiasts from around the world for an exploration of the future of voice.

With a focus on fostering a diverse and dynamic community, the symposium will provide opportunities for professionals and students to engage in critical conversations about the past, present, and future of voice work. The event will explore how the field can adapt to changing global concerns, ensuring the voice remains a powerful tool for communication and collaboration.

Dr Oliver Bray, Dean of Leeds School of Arts, said: "Leeds School of Arts is thrilled to support the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) symposium hosted by Leeds Beckett University. This is an exciting event that fosters cutting-edge collaboration between academia and the creative industries, creating a vital space for shared learning and innovation in voice practices."

Antonio Ocampo-Guzman, President of VASTA, shared: "VASTA is delighted to return to the UK after 10 years, and we are incredibly grateful to Leeds Beckett's School of Arts for hosting this symposium.

"As we ethically consider the opportunities and face off the challenges of the technologies available to us today, it is vital that we integrate our theoretical frameworks with our age-old practices. I look forward to the exciting and enriching opportunities that this symposium in Leeds will present."

The Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) is an international community of over 600 members from more than 30 countries, representing voice professionals from a wide range of sectors, including academics, actors, singers, voice and speech pathologists and more. Founded in 1986, VASTA advocates for voice and speech professionals and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration. VASTA's annual gatherings, training programs, and conferences create global networks and cultivate the voice profession's multidisciplinary impact.

Leeds School of Arts is a key educator of artists and creatives who go on to enrich and transform all sectors of arts and culture with their limitless ambition and innovation. Their talented students are actively making a difference across art, design, fashion, music, theatre, film, architecture, and creative technologies. The expert support of their academics, who are renowned regionally, nationally, and globally, allows their expertise and individuality to shine on a prominent stage.