Platform for Lydkunst OPEN CALL: PLATFORM FOR SOUND ART. Aarhus Visual Arts Center and Sound Art Lab are looking for professional artists to develop projects for the Platform for Sound Art exhibition program for 2027. Platform for Sound Art is a new platform for sound art in the public space at Sydhavnen in Aarhus, Denmark. The platform is located under Havnesporet, an elevated railway for transporting goods from Aarhus container port, which forms the northern boundary of the Sydhavnskvarter.
Platform for Sound Art is part of a comprehensive exhibition program for temporary art in Sydhavnen, which also includes a showcase in Kunstpassagen, a passage under construction in the new district. The program brings contemporary art into play as co-creators of a new urban neighborhood. In 2027, the program focuses on the city as a living, collective organism. It takes a look at the city as more than physical spaces, buildings and infrastructures. As something that is constantly in the process of becoming.
We are looking for artists who want to investigate the artistic potential of sound to shape and intervene in urban spaces. Therefore, the program aims to ensure that the works produced actively relate to the concrete physical and social context in which the platform is located. Possible questions for inspiration: how do sound landscapes affect physical spaces? How do they amplify, or disrupt, our attention? How does sound change our reality? How does sound affect our experience of time, and our bodily experience of moving in space?
About South Harbour
Sydhavnen is a former industrial area on the Aarhus waterfront, which has now been transformed into a new urban neighborhood. The new Sydhavnen combines business, education and producing culture and art. Until the 1990s, Sydhavnen was a place for energy production. The district is thus closely intertwined with Aarhus’ development into a modern metropolis. After the relocation of electricity and heat production, the area has attracted artists and creative actors, and has also become a place of belonging for socially disadvantaged citizens. There is still industry in Sydhavnen in the form of AAK, formerly Aarhus Oliemølle, which has produced vegetable oil since the late 1800th century.
Technical description of the platform
The platform consists of four permanently installed speakers, which together form a square measuring 4×4 m in diameter. The speakers are angled towards the surface so that the sound is reflected towards the surface and creates a particularly dense listening situation (see photos). The physical setup enables quadraphonic playback. Each of the four channels can be adjusted individually. Content for the exhibition must be submitted in the form of four separate mono MP3 files (320 kbps or higher recommended).
Who can apply?
All professional artists with an interest in site-specific practice and public urban space.
Application
The application must contain:
– A motivation for why you would like to develop a project for this location. Preferably with a focus on how you would relate to the urban context. (max 1 A4 page). Completed project proposals are not expected.
– Max 3 examples of relevant works (audio clips must be sent as a zip file)
-A short CV (max 1 A4 per artist)
– All material must be sent as one PDF to this address: project coordinator@aabkc.dk
Terms and Conditions
There will be an exhibition fee of DKK 25000 per selected project. Any participation in public events will be paid as an additional fee. The artists can apply for production funds themselves. Aarhus Visual Arts Center can offer assistance with the application process for production support. Aarhus Visual Arts Center is seeking funds to cover additional exhibition costs.
Selection process
A jury consisting of art representatives from Aarhus Visual Arts Center and Sound Art Lab will select projects for 2027.
Institutional anchoring
The exhibition program for 2027 is anchored in Aarhus Visual Arts Center and co-curated by Sound Art Lab, Struer, and the Jutland Academy of Fine Arts. The urban life association Sammen om Sydhavnen supports the project.
Applicants can expect a response in early May.
deadline: Wednesday, April 15th at 12:00 noon Danish time.
more info/ contact: coordinator@aabkc.dk
