Listening Across Neighborhoods is a new sound and public speaking project in which Chicago youth work together to learn critical listening, audio recording and editing, storytelling, and public speaking as they learn about each other’s neighborhoods and how gentrification impacts the sound and feel of their neighborhoods.
LAN consists of a series of four cumulative Saturday workshops in sound—including soundwalks, field recording, editing—and public speaking—organizing and creating a presentation, public speaking skills—beginning on September 7. At the end of the project, participants will have the opportunity to present their finds and recordings in public settings in and outside their neighborhoods.
Participants completing the program will receive a $200 stipend.
Workshop dates and locations are:
- September 7, Sound Workshop 1: Theatre Y
3611 W Cermak Rd Chicago 60623 - September 14, Sound Workshop 2, Legler Regional Library
115 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago 60624 - September 21, Sound Workshop 3: Build Chicago
5100 W Harrison St, Chicago 60644 - September 28, Public Speaking Workshop: St. Ignatius College Prep
1076 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago 60608 - October 5, Public Speaking Workshop: Legler Regional Library
115 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago 60624
Public Presentation:
- October 26, 3:00 PM, Listening Conference
St. Ignatius College Prep
1076 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago 60608
Other public speaking dates and locations TBA.
LAN Staff
Mallory Qiu, teaching artist
Mallory Yanhan Qiu is a rising artist and curator based in Chicago, Illinois, born in Chongqing, China in 2000. Her interdisciplinary approach reflects her deep passion and honed expertise in the areas of live video and sound performance, sonic exploration, body movement, poetry, and digital visual art. Qiu has performed at Epiphany Center for the Arts, Elastic Arts, Mana Contemporary, {} () {} ∆ ‡ | () {} Nonation Art Lab, Research House for Asian Art, SAIC.
Sam Anthem, teaching artist
Sam Anthem is an artist working across sound, performance, and media to better understand social patterns of thinking of and being in the world. Through creative approaches to archives and interactive technology, they believe art can reshape how we relate to our natural surroundings and communities.
Phillip Purkett, leadership and public speaking trainer
Phillip Purkett is a senior moderator and leadership coach with over two decades of expertise as a facilitator and instructor specializing in leadership and organizational development, as well as collaboration, effective communication, individual consultation and team training. He serves in leadership roles at the local, district, and regional levels in his church. He is a community activist and neighborhood coordinator.
Marco Guagnelli, project assistant
Marco Guagnelli specializes in creating, teaching and researching performance, community-based theatre and contemporary art. With over 7 years of professional experience his work uniquely combines methods of scholarly research with creative practice.
Eric Leonardson, project manager, Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology
Eric Leonardson, a Chicago-based audio artist, is President of the Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology and Vice-President of the World Forum for Acoustic Ecology. He is an Adjunct Professor in Art and Technology/Sound Practices at SAIC. As a performer, composer, sound designer, and inventor, he performs internationally and promotes acoustic ecology, connecting communities through sound, listening, and the environment.
Christophe Preissing, project director, NON:op Open Opera Works
Christophe Preissing is the founder and artistic director of NON:op Open Opera Works. He is also a composer, sound artist, producer and artistic instigator, whose work tackles social, political, and cultural issues. Since 2020, he and NON:op have been focused on facilitating radical access, experimentation, and creativity across communities while working collectively towards a more just society.
Thanks to our Listening Across Neighborhoods funders and partners:
Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology