Newsletter for September 2026 (Vol.21; Iss. 9)
Produced by New Adventures in Sound Art
www.naisa.ca

1) Sound Travels Festival of Sound Art
2) Sound Travels Remaining Events
3) SOUNDplay Festival
4) SOUNDplay Exhibitions & Screenings
5) Fundraising Dinner September 12

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1) Sound Travels Festival of Sound Art

June 6 – September 13, 2026
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, South River
naisa.ca/festivals/sound-travels

The 28th edition of the Sound Travels Festival of Sound Art, produced by New Adventures in Sound Art (NAISA), includes performances, installations and a 4-day workshop intensive.

“The inability of the human ear to function efficiently underwater does not limit us from being fascinated by it, nor to developing the tools we need to extend our senses and expand the boundaries of our aesthetic experience. This years’ Sound Travels events explore the ‘Sound Culture’ of Water—how the sound of water is shaped by its cultural use, spiritual practices and human engineering.” – Darren Copeland, Artistic Director, New Adventures in Sound Art

Waterscape by Lina Choi

2) Sound Travels Remaining Events

Waterscape by Lina Choi
June 11 – September 7, 2026
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, South River
Admission by Donation
More information

Waterscape is a sound sculpture by Lina Choi that produces water-like sounds through small motor-driven devices. Each element creates subtle drops and flows, forming an evolving, immersive sound environment. Inspired by the movement of water, the work reinterprets these rhythms through mechanical systems, blurring the line between natural and artificial. The surrounding sounds invite listeners to slow down and experience a shifting sonic landscape.

Voice of the Water by Eric Powell
Permanent Installation | Ongoing
Pay by Donation
More information

Voice of the Water is an interactive rotary telephone-based listening station. Using sounds collected from inside the lakes and rivers around South River, Voice of the Water encourages listeners to connect with the local waterways as they explore the boundaries and overlaps between planes of existence.

Sensation of Distribution by Mitchell Akiyama and Brady Peters & Decomposing Piano
Permanent Outdoor Installation | Ongoing

While you are at NAISA, step outside to discover the natural resonance of tubing in the Sensation of Distribution by Mitchell Akiyama and Brady Peters or improvise on the Decomposing Piano.

Improv on the Decomposing Piano by Nadene Theriault-Copeland. Photo: Darren Copeland

Decomposing Piano Jam
September 13, 2026, 1 – 3pm
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, South River
Free
More information

An interesting way to learn about improvisation is to play an instrument that is always changing. The Decomposing Piano has been transforming outdoors since December 2022. It continues to challenge expectations and transform possibilities, revealing new sound colours and tunings as time passes on. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join NAISA Executive Director Nadene Thériault-Copeland in the discovery process.

3) SOUNDplay Festival

September 17 – December 28, 2026
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, South River
SOUNDplay website

New Adventures in Sound Art’s (NAISA) is proud to present the 25th edition of its SOUNDplay Festival, an annual fall festival that encourages new avenues of exploration between sound and new media and includes exhibitions and screenings as well as a weekend long workshop and 12-hour online broadcast.

“This year’s SOUNDplay Festival is built around NAISA’s 2026 theme Sound Culture through works that draw from the personal histories of the artists. Some of the works draw their inspiration from the act of re-inhabiting ancestral lands and others share stories shaped by war and loss. Many of the works are gentle and reflective in nature, providing a space to find peace and meaning in a time that is bending towards uncertainty.” – Darren Copeland, Artistic Director, New Adventures in Sound Art

4) SOUNDplay Exhibitions & Screenings

By the Light of the Wild Within by Julia White
September 17 – December 28, 2026
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, South River
Admission by Donation
View more information

The multi-media sculptural landscape of Julia White’s installation By the Light of the Wild Within combines natural elements, textiles and architectural forms with soundscapes she has composed from field recordings in the wild. This immersive artwork sets up a dreamlike sonic environment that invites visitors to listen deeply with both their ears and their hearts. The soundscapes are heard at NAISA on an array of loudspeakers; they cycle through the natural changes of a year, while in other instances, dissolve the boundaries between the real and the imagined. Opening night artist talk on September 17 at 7pm with Julia White.

Poetry Film Screening
December 5, 2026, 7pm
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, South River
In-person and Online
$15 | Purchase tickets
More information

This online and in-person screening features three poetry films by Sundridge artist Mary McDonald and UK poet and filmmaker Sarah Tremlett plus one Cinematic Tone Poem that is a collaboration between three Vancouver artists—the renowned soundscape composer Hildegard Westerkamp, pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa and filmmaker Nettie Wild. The program of works as entirety are rooted in personal stories connected to significant events in history, such as wars, and in iconic cultural symbols. The screening will include introductions by the artists and a Q&A discussion with them afterwards. Two of the poetry films will be screened continuously for the remainder of December during gallery hours at NAISA.

5) NAISA Fundraising Dinner

September 12, 2026, 6pm
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, South River
$30 | RSVP by September 10

Support NAISA and choose from a fixed menu with gluten free and vegan options

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New Adventures in Sound Art is a non-profit organization that presents performances and installations spanning the entire spectrum of sound art. NAISA is partially funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage, Ontario Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts. NAISA would also like to thank Reuten Construction, Charles Street Video, and Warbler’s Roost for their sponsorship of its Sound Travels Festival of Sound Art 2026.

NAISA North Media Arts Centre is Accessible

Inquiries & general information:
Nadene Thériault-Copeland, Executive Director
New Adventures in Sound Art
313 Highway 124, South River, ON P0A 1X0
705-386-0880