The Floating Points programming explores the versatility of ISSUE Project Room’s house speaker system. Established in 2005, ISSUE's annual Floating Points series provides a diverse range of experimental artists with the opportunity to create and present new sound-based works on our unique 15-channel hemispherical sound system- the only one of its kind in NYC. Begun as Points In A Circle, an annual month-long series of multi-channel audio concerts featuring the Hemisphere speaker system, it became the Floating Points Festival in 2008 when Issue Project Room moved to the Old American Can Factory.
Starting in 2011, Floating Points is taking a different direction, away from a festival atmosphere and towards sustained residencies culminating in performances. This new approach will allow artists a longer period to familiarize themselves with the Hemisphere speaker system and create new multi-channel works that take advantage of its unique capabilities. The freedom to take the speakers off of the ceiling and sculpt them into evolving installations will encourage work that meaningfully engages the relationship of sound, movement and space.
Designed by sound artist and Floating Points curator Stephan Moore, this fifteen-channel installation of Hemisphere loudspeakers re-imagines the concert experience for both performer and audience. Each Hemisphere radiates sound in all directions, activating the acoustics of ISSUE's unique concert space. Immersive sonic environments are generated, electronic sounds take on the intimacy of acoustic instruments, and location is liberated as a musical dimension.
Floating Points is made possible by support from the James E. Robison Foundation and with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
