SonicaGlasgow’s venerable Pollok House is set to be transformed into a hub for an innovative arts festival, offering a unique preview of the historic venue ahead of its public re-opening.
Titled “The Listening House,” this immersive experience will serve as the cornerstone of this year’s Sonica festival, pushing the boundaries of audiovisual art.
The event promises a captivating array of sonic sculptures, experimental sound installations, and even mechanical birds, strategically placed across the three floors of the 18th-century mansion and its sprawling gardens.
Originally constructed in 1752, Pollok House, renowned for its significant collections of period artifacts and paintings, has been undergoing extensive refurbishment since 2023.
Sonica itself is lauded as a festival designed for “curious minds and adventurous spirits,” championing audiovisual art and experimental music.
Beyond the stately home, the festival will also extend its reach into the city centre’s Buchanan Galleries shopping centre, featuring dynamic installations, including surprise robotic sculptures designed to engage shoppers.
Global Artistic Collaborations Take Center Stage
The festival boasts an impressive roster, with over 170 artists and musicians representing 21 countries, participating in the 11-day event scheduled from September 24th to October 4th.
Pollok House, a cherished asset of Glasgow, will host its engaging programming for the entire duration of the festival.
Among the featured exhibits is “Mundus Inversus” by the collective AES+F, a video installation that explores the concept of an inverted world, challenging viewers’ perspectives.
The grand estate will also showcase an immersive installation by artist Konx-om-Pax, inspired by his experiences with synaesthesia, alongside garden sculptures that react to movement and flocks of hanging birds designed to interact with visitors.
Pollok House is slated to welcome the public again later this year, following essential roof and general building repairs that commenced in late 2023.
These vital restoration efforts are part of a significant £4 million investment program initiated by Glasgow City Council.
SonicaAt Buchanan Galleries, four distinct audiovisual artworks will be presented, integrated within retail spaces and designed to interact with the flow of shoppers.
The festival’s program also includes a new audiovisual presentation by artist Dinos Chapman, marking the festival’s opening, and the debut Scottish performance by the pioneering electronic composer Suzanne Ciani.
In a notable tribute, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra will perform Philip Glass’s Symphony No.4 “Heroes,” an orchestral interpretation of David Bowie’s iconic album, commemorating the tenth anniversary of Bowie’s passing.
SonicaThe festival is produced by Scotland’s renowned arts house, Cryptic.
Artistic Director Cathie Boyd expressed her excitement about the program, highlighting “thrilling firsts,” including the unique takeover of Pollok House.
Boyd further commented, “Sonica continues to transform the city through sound and vision, and we are especially excited to collaborate with Buchanan Galleries for the first time, alongside the privilege of creating our Listening House within the beautiful surroundings of Pollok House. We are proud to present the highest quality audiovisual work from exceptional artists from both Scotland and around the globe whose work challenges perceptions, sparks imagination and truly ravishes the senses.”
Business Style Takeaway: The integration of avant-garde digital art within historical and commercial spaces, as seen with Sonica festival, demonstrates a powerful trend in experiential branding. Companies seeking to connect with a modern, culturally engaged audience can draw inspiration from how art can redefine public spaces and create memorable, multi-sensory brand interactions that resonate globally.
Details can be found on the website : www.bbc.com