Taking its title from »Nusantara,« an ancient Javanese term which is nowadays used to address the multiple connections between Southeast Asian countries, Nusasonic incorporated a mix of formats such as artistic labs, commissioned works, residencies, concerts, installations, festivals, lectures, publications and more to look at how contemporary sound practices enable dialogue within the Southeast Asian region and with Europe, all while paying critical attention to local contexts and ongoing global asymmetries. In addition to presenting outstanding artistic voices to the public, the initiative supported artists, strengthened local networks, encouraged cross-border and inter-cultural cooperation, and contributed to broadening the understanding of contemporary sound practices.
The project kicked off October 2018 with an artistic lab and festival in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, followed by a string of activities, including residencies, hacklabs, concerts, and festivals in Manila, Singapore, Berlin, and Ho Chi Minh City. Online capacity-building workshops, an online magazine and radio productions, that presented essays and sounds by and about various Southeast Asian practitioners, broadened Nusasonic’s scope even further.
A collaboration between Playfreely/BlackKaji, Yes No Wave, WSK Festival, and CTM Festival. Initiated by the Goethe-Institutes of Southeast Asia.