Interview with Annie Saunders about the CURRENT Soundwalk

Summary

Annie Saunders, an interdisciplinary artist, presents 'Current,' a site-specific sound walk through Lower Manhattan. Exploring the area's unique history and sensory experiences, she emphasizes the significance of place in her work. Utilizing ambisonic microphones, the project captures 360-degree soundscapes, inviting audiences to experience hidden elements of the environment. With a focus on personal connection, Saunders hopes visitors will leave with a renewed appreciation for Zuccotti Park and the surrounding area. The project has garnered recognition at the Tribeca Festival, highlighting its innovative approach to immersive storytelling in public spaces.

Takeaways

• 🌆 Annie Saunders is an interdisciplinary artist focusing on site-specific work in Lower Manhattan.
• 📍 The project, called 'Current,' is a sound walk that explores the end of Manhattan geographically.
• 🗣️ The artist records her observations while walking, creating a narrative based on these experiences.
• 🔊 An ambisonic microphone is used to capture 360-degree sound, enhancing the auditory experience for listeners.
• 🔍 The aim is to reveal hidden aspects of the area, prompting viewers to notice details they might typically overlook.
• 🏙️ The project highlights both the historical significance and the ongoing life of Lower Manhattan.
• 🎉 'Current' received recognition at the Tribeca Festival, winning two awards for its innovative approach.
• 🤝 Collaboration with Arts Brookfield is emphasized as key to realizing the project's vision.
• 🧠 The experience is designed to encourage audiences to see the area with fresh eyes and a personal connection.
• 🔄 The hope is for visitors to leave with a transformed understanding of the space, creating lasting memories.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Annie Saunders' work?

Annie Saunders' work is largely site-specific, meaning it responds to the particular characteristics and context of the place where she is creating.

How did Annie Saunders approach the creation of her sound walk project?

She walked through lower Manhattan, making observations and recording her thoughts, which helped shape the narrative of the project.

What role does the ambisonic microphone play in the project?

The ambisonic microphone captures sound in 360 degrees, allowing for an accurate sonic landscape that reflects both the current and past sounds of the area.

What was the significance of the location referred to as the 'end of Manhattan'?

Annie describes it as the end of the island geographically, but also acknowledges that it can be seen as the beginning of New York, highlighting its historical importance.

What awards did the project win at the Tribeca Festival?

The project won the Tribeca X Award for collaboration with Brookfield Properties and the Best Immersive Award for Creative Nonfiction.

What is the intended takeaway for audiences participating in the sound walk?

The hope is for audiences to gain a personal and new experience of the area, changing their perception and memory of it.

How does Annie Saunders want people to feel when they return to Zuccotti Park?

She hopes that visitors will come back with a renewed perspective and a personal connection to the area, informed by their experience during the sound walk.

What was the collaborative aspect of the project with Arts Brookfield?

Annie expressed appreciation for working with Arts Brookfield, emphasizing their understanding of public experiences and their commitment to offering meaningful art to audiences.

How does Annie Saunders' work challenge viewers' perceptions?

By encouraging participants to notice hidden elements in the environment, her work aims to change how they engage with familiar spaces.

What does Annie Saunders hope people will do after experiencing her project?

She hopes they will carry an embodied memory of their personal journey through the area, influencing their future visits.