This project takes place in so-called Vancouver on unceded Indigenous land belonging to the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Ben Brown / I'm a drummer. My interest in embodying sound vibration and exploring found sounds has led me to a practice of playing public structures like pitched percussion instruments.

From April—October, 2021, I met weekly with four public art pieces in Vancouver to learn how to play them like musical instruments. Joining me were collaborators from All Bodies Dance and Foolish Operations' Dancing the Parenting.

With Sound Sculptures I hope to provide COVID-friendly, outdoor venues, rejuvenate interest in our public art and begin to reimagine a more interactive and sound-rich city.

Dragon Skin Pavilion

Gate to the Northwest Passage

Solo

The Swimmer

This project takes place in so-called Vancouver on unceded Indigenous land belonging to the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Ben Brown / I'm a drummer. My interest in embodying sound vibration and exploring found sounds has led me to a practice of playing public structures like pitched percussion instruments.

MEDIA

Playing Vancouver public art reveals ‘an interactive, sound-rich city’ Vancouver Sun

Vancouver drummer Ben Brown makes music out of public art with Sound Sculptures Stir

Ben Brown explains why he’s on a mission to explore Vancouver’s “playability” Global News

Yes, the sculptures are the instrument Vancouver is Awesome

Testimonial from collaborators Foolish Operations