The word is out: preparations have already begun on the 2012 voestalpine Klangwolke. Everybody is invited to lend a hand staging this amazing event. You can display your musical talent by recording and submitting your own soundcloudminiature. But letters of the alphabet are also an essential element of this year’s extravaganza. Without letters, we couldn’t communicate with each other; without letters, many of humankind’s greatest achievements would hardly be imaginable—not least of all, the internet. Of course, deep down inside, the Web is based on binary code (meaning 0s and 1s) but most of us prefer to use a “human” language in everyday life online.
The ABC Werkstatt is open to young and old
In any case, letters and those who design them will be playing a key role in the Klangwolke. Now, at the Ars Electronica Center you can construct letters, and fold, paint and adorn them with all sorts of decorations. You can work independently or get competent assistance. Each individual’s personality should flow into his/her creation. There are hardly any restrictions.
Proudly displaying ones work
Once a letter’s finished, applying an LED light strip to it means it can be illuminated so audience members will see it during the Klangwolke, which takes place at night. Over the course of the summer, constructors can bring their letter(s) back to the AEC, where a receiver will be built into each one. This is the final step in actually becoming part of the event and the communications process inherent in it. Every letter will be turned on and off to the beat of the music and the rhythm of the narrative, and ultimately join other letters to form words and sentences.
A close-up view of the LED strip
So be sure to pay a visit to the Center sometime during the summer—after all, it isn’t every day that you get an opportunity to be an integral part of such a big event and such a large community.
And thanks to the internet, you can still participate even if you can’t make it over to the AEC. You can get a look at letters that have already been submitted, get inspired, and then get busy on your own creative output.