“Atmospheric Waves” Introductory Discussion at the 2026 Sound Days Festival

During the “Sound Days” festival, the programme “Atmospheric Waves” was introduced as part of the “Liepaja – European Capital of Culture 2027” events, culminating in May 2027 with an exhibition of environmental objects in the urban environment, workshops, sound walks and an international symposium dedicated to wind, climate and listening practices. The “Sound Days” festival is an annual international festival dedicated to sound art, experimental music, and interdisciplinary artistic practices. Held in Liepāja, the festival brings together local and international artists, students and researchers. The program “Atmospheric Waves” explores wind as a dynamic planetary force and source of energy that shapes the landscape, weather and human experience through sound art and listening. At this year’s “Sound Days” festival, as part of the preparations for 2027, several artists whose work explores weather and other environmental phenomena were invited to participate, and a number of creative workshops dedicated to these themes were held.

During “Sound Days” festival on 22 April an important round table discussion with visiting artists signaled the pre-launch of “Atmospheric Waves”. The discussion between Kathy Hinde (UK), Marije Baalman (NL), Maksims Šentelevs (LV), Krista Dintere (LV), and Florian Tuercke (DE) was moderated by John Grzinich (EE/US), co-curator of “Atmospheric Waves”. The conversation explored the importance of working with environmental processes to expand our understanding of wind and climate, as well as how artists can share these experiences with the public. Drawing on a range of artistic projects, many personal stories emerged that could be lessons for the many students participating in the “Sound Days” workshops. 

Curator John Grzinich notes: “The discussion themes focused on the importance of working with environmental processes and how listening can expand our knowledge of wind and climate. As artists, we have special skills in sharing these experiences with the public.”

The discussion focused on the interaction of art and the environment – ​​how important it is for artists to work with the environment, study it and expand their understanding of wind and climate, as well as to look for new ways to convey these experiences to the public. John Grzinich emphasized that working with the environment and the practice of listening can be an important tool that helps to deepen our understanding of natural processes and at the same time create a meaningful dialogue with society. 

“Atmospheric Waves” is implemented within the framework of the programme “Liepaja – European Capital of Culture 2027”, using funding allocated by the Ministry of Culture, Liepaja City, South Kurzeme and Kuldīga regions.