Sounding Pico, 2019 – workshops, soundwalk and performance in collaboration with Santa Monica Youth Orchestra (SMYO)

Sounding Pico, 2019
Workshops, soundwalk and performance in collaboration with Santa Monica Youth Orchestra (SMYO)

Sounding Pico is an art project focussing on the Pico-neighbourhood in Santa Monica, CA in the USA – developed in collaboration between artist Maj Hasager (DK) and composer Ask Kæreby (DK) in collaboration with Santa Monica Youth Orchestra (SMYO) during winter 2018-19. In response to the often-mediated image of a troubled neighbourhood with opportunities lost, rather than gained, countermeasures have been taken – perhaps most notably by the cultural asset database Culture Mapping 90404, initiated by 18th Street Arts Center.

In an attempt to supplement with the perspectives of younger generations, we invited a number of young, local residents and musicians to record characteristic sounds of the area, which were later interpreted on their acoustic instruments and made available online as part of a soundwalk. By bringing forward these young musicians as local resources, as well as their ear for local soundmarks, we aim to shine a different light on the area, and to supplement and further the debate around it.