Artmusic

Artmusic creates collaborative, site-specific and participatory live art.

Since its formation in 1999 Artmusic has produced eleven major projects involving visual art, video, word, music and performance. Artmusic’s lead artist, composer Helen Ottaway, is known for her ability to orchestrate a space, whether built or natural and, with sound designer Alastair Goolden, specialises in work which gives the public an active and enhanced experience of their environment.

Artmusic’s work is meticulous in detail, in the belief that the part is as important as the whole. Artmusic intentionally avoids prescribing how the work is explored – accident and chance encounter combine with people’s own inclinations and behaviour to result in a unique experience for each visitor.

Recent projects have included Ring Ring Bell (2012), a site-specific project for the A11 between Aldgate and Bow resulting in a soundscape, two ring tones and a piece of bell music and choreography (commissioned by London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the regeneration project High Street 2012), The City Sings (2009/10) a year-long city-wide project commissioned by mac to celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished arts centre in Cannon Hill Park and Palace Intrusions (2007/8) – a series of site specific commissions in and around the Bishop’s Palace and moat in Wells, Somerset.

Current projects include Lachrymae, a sound and sculptural installation inspired by Ted Hughes’ translation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and Learning from John Cage (working title). Following the centenary of the birth of composer John Cage (5 September 1912-2012), Artmusic is exploring the composer’s legacy with this project that will feature happenings, concerts and shared meals led by composers, musicians and academics who have been influenced by John Cage as well as current students from around the UK. Learning from John Cage is supported by C4CC, University of London.