Atmospheric Waves
Art Festival of Wind, Climate and Listening
Liepaja, Latvia
In the frame of “Liepaja – European Capital of Culture 2027”
Festival: May 12-16, 2027
Exhibition: May 15 – November 30, 2027
“Atmospheric Waves” is a festival dedicated to embracing the many aspects of wind through the diverse fields of sound art, public engagement and sensorial cultures of listening. What better way to connect to a place and an environment, than through listening. What better context is there to explore wind and all of its sonic and material effects than Liepāja on the west coast of Latvia.
Wind is part of Liepāja’s identity – due to its breezy, seaside climate, it is often called the “city where the wind is born”. Its sandy beaches, which stretch for several kilometers along the coast, make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. In addition, the surrounding area is a mix of plains, dunes, pine forests and Liepāja Lake, a large freshwater lake located just north of the city, adding to the natural beauty of the area. Inhabitants and visitors alike, engage in kitesurfing, windsurfing and storm watching around Liepāja. Wind is celebrated in Latvian folk songs and contributes to our sources of energy. Isn’t it time we celebrate the wind and give more attention to the movement of air in the atmosphere, to understand its environmental impacts and consequences? With the aural and atmospherically oriented project “Atmospheric Waves” we strive to connect art, science, and local culture by combining the many influences of wind as an essential element of climate, culture and environment.
The “Atmospheric Waves” festival will offer a unique program to the “Liepaja – European Capital of Culture 2027” With a dedicated residency program, Latvian and international artists will be hosted to develop a range of public art installations and environmental objects based on wind, location and localised climate phenomenon. These specialized artworks can entertain yet inform us about small and large-scale atmospheric processes that are not visible to the naked eye. The exhibition of environmental objects will promote public environmental awareness and encourage thinking about climate change and humanity’s place in it. Additional events such as sound walks and concerts will be part of the 5 day festival program.
The festival “Atmospheric Waves” is organized by the association “ASTE. Art, Science, Technology, Education” in collaboration with the artist and curator John Grzinich. It is created in partnership with ”MoKS” and with the financial support from the foundation “Nodibinājums Liepāja 2027”. The programme of “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” is implemented by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, with funding allocated by the City of Liepāja, the South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, the Ministry of Culture, and the State Culture Capital Foundation. The “Liepaja – European Capital of Culture 2027”programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa”, Jsc; its main partner in air mobility and international communications, AS “airBaltic Corporation”, legal partner: Sorainen Law Office, Ltd., Jsc; and its land mobility partner, SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, Ltd. Media partners: VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, Ltd. and AS “Kurzemes Radio”, Jsc.
