In the open – series II

“In the open” - series II continues our programme of artist audio commissions. Where the first series featured artists based in Glasgow, this time the programme extends to international locations, with all six artists based elsewhere in the UK and Europe.

This second series presents new works by Ayo Akingbade (London), Rosa Barba (Berlin), Mikhail Karikis (Lisbon), Tarik Kiswanson (Paris), Lawrence Lek (London), and Cally Spooner (Turin), who each provide a distinctive perspective on their particular situation. As before, the audio works have been designed to accompany daily walks and time spent outdoors, while we continue to live under the restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“In the open” offers a way of connecting with others at a time when we remain separated due to the global impact of the pandemic; a separation perhaps felt all the more keenly in light of Britain’s departure from the European Union. The project was first conceived during the UK national lockdown of March 2020, and now, when our movement to other places continues to be restricted, these new audio works allow us to travel across borders, linking us to others and to divergent networks of history, culture, knowledge and belonging. 

The new audio works, which will be released between January-April 2021, take the form of field recordings, found and manipulated sound, scripted performance, dialogue, and musical composition. The artists offer different listening experiences: transportive acoustic soundscapes, relational spaces, intimate exchanges, shared moments of pause, and, importantly, the opportunity to step away from our screens. Each work acts as a portal, granting entry to sonic territories and environments beyond our own; offering glimpses into social, geographic and psychological worlds temporarily out of reach. 

Whilst we are still unable to share physical projects and join together with audiences, “In the open” presents an opportunity for immediacy and closeness with artworks unmediated by the screen­—an experience that is currently unavailable as so many museums and galleries are again closed. The project allows us to continue our commitment to supporting artists and developing new works for audiences. 

Designed for listening on headphones while outdoors, the works can nonetheless be listened to anywhere.

Release Dates:
Ayo Akingbade
January 27, 2021

Cally Spooner
February 18, 2021

Tarik Kiswanson
March 3, 2021

Lawrence Lek
March 12, 2021

Rosa Barba
March 26, 2021

Mikhail Karikis
April 16, 2021

Each audio work will be released on The Common Guild website, Bandcamp, and podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.