Experience sound art on your commute through Mill Woods

Taking the Valley Line South East to Mill Woods? As you step off the platform and travel along the 100-meter walkway that connects the train station to the transit station, listen carefully and you may hear something that piques your interest. Composed by local artist Dr. Nicolás Arnáez, a sound art piece will be audible for the next two to four months, ​“encouraging audiences to become mesmerized by the uniqueness of crafted sonic movements.” 

Born in Argentina, Dr. Nicolás Arnáez is an Edmonton-based sound artist, composer, music technology educator, and active sound technician. His work focuses on three-dimensional sonic art, interactive music, and acousmatic sound design. Arnáez custom-created software for the audio platform. His score, titled ​“Sendero a lo Próximo (Path to the Near)” will change the way the public experiences moving though the covered walkway, giving them something new to experience each time. 

“If successful, the listener will ​‘see with the ears’ when witnessing one of these creations,” said Arnáez. ​“The goal of my work is to create evolving environmental textures that invite listeners to engage with sound in an innovative way, incorporating elements of space, movement, and speed.” 

“This was a unique opportunity to think about how we wanted people to experience art as they move through public spaces” said David Turnbull, Director of Public Art at the Edmonton Arts Council. ​“We encourage Edmontonians to enjoy the sound walkway for the next couple of months before construction in the area begins. Try moving through the space, walking in either direction, and even closing your eyes, to experience how the sounds shift and flow.” 

The sound art walkway will be available until planned construction begins in spring/​summer 2025. 

Click here to listen to Dr. Nicolás Arnáez’s full sound piece.