New Adventures in Sound Art (NAISA) is a non-profit organization, formerly based in Toronto but now in South River ON, that presents performances and installations spanning the entire spectrum of electroacoustic and experimental sound art. NAISA operates the NAISA North Media Arts Centre, located in the centre of the village of South River at 106 Ottawa Ave., a short distance from Algonquin Park, at the building formerly known as Renée’s Café and Bean There Café.
The NAISA North Media Arts Centre includes a large exhibition/performance space, a small café, and an artist residency space suitable for media art production/creation. The café offers fresh baked goodies by local baker Lois McLaren, homemade soup by Nadene Thériault-Copeland and serves Muskoka coffee by Muskoka Roastery Coffee Company.
NAISA’s annual events include: the Deep Wireless festival of Radio & Transmission Art, the Sound Travels Festival of Sound Art, the SOUNDplay festival and Springscapes.
The objectives of NAISA are to foster awareness and understanding locally, as well as nationally and internationally, in the cultural vitality of experimental sound art in its myriad forms of expression. This objective is achieved through the exploration of new sound technologies in conjunction with the creation of cultural events and artifacts.
Upcoming Events
By Michael Waterman and Jesse Stewart
January 17 to March 30, 2020. Open 10 am to 4 pm everyday except Tuesdays and Wednesdays
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, 106 Ottawa Ave, South River
Pay by Donation
In this interactive exhibition visitors can explore the sonic properties of ice in both solid and melting forms.
Thank you for your understanding. We will post any updates on our social media channels (naisasoundart on Facebook and Twitter) and at naisa.ca.
By Sandy McLennan
Apr 16 – May 31, 2020, Thursday to Monday, 10am – 4pm
Opening Reception - Friday April 17 at 7 pm
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, 106 Ottawa Ave, South River
Pay by Donation
“My Place Here and Now” is an interactive soundscape and pinhole photography installation created by Port Sydney photographer and filmmaker Sandy McLennan through workshops with Grade 7 students from South River Public School.
April 16 - May 31, 2020
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, 106 Ottawa Ave, South River, Canada.
This first annual Springscapes Series includes media art workshops at the South River Public school, the outcome of which will contribute to an interactive exhibition by Sandy McLennon. There will also be a concert performance and a weekend workshop intensive with visiting artist David Eagle, as well as a 24 hour online broadcast.
By Sandy McLennan
April 18, 2020, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, 106 Ottawa Ave, South River
General $10
Port Sydney filmmaker Sandy McLennan presents a screening of his unique hand-made 8mm and 16mm films that portray life in the Muskoka region. He will be on hand to introduce the films and discuss the processes he used to make them. Featured are his films “Line in the Sand”, “The Last Skate”, “Moving, part one” and “Thanksgiving Weekend to the Cottage”.
Advance Registration Required by April 17, 2020
May 1 - 3, 2020
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, 106 Ottawa Ave, South River & Warbler's Roost, 3785D Eagle Lake Road, South River
$100 (or $200 with 2 nights accommodation and breakfast at Warbler's Roost)
After the stillness of winter, springtime in the Almaguin Highlands awakens the ears to a suddenly active soundscape of birds, frogs and the drumming of the ruffed grouse. The first weekend of May at Warbler's Roost (22 KM west of South River) provides an exciting opportunity for artists, musicians, nature-lovers, soundscape researchers, field recordists and birders to enjoy the acoustic wonders of the spring season while learning about the art of soundscape recording.
Events include a soundscape concert with guest artist by David Eagle, a “dawn chorus” multi-channel recording session, lecture demonstration on interactive technology and soundscape recordings, and workshop on recording and editing soundscapes with NAISA Artistic Director Darren Copeland.
By David Eagle and Jordan Wyshniowsky
May 2, 2020, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, 106 Ottawa Ave, South River
General $10
A concert of interactive electroacoustic soundscapes by guest composer David Eagle from Calgary. The concert will feature the premiere of Tactus for solo cello and interactive soundscapes performed by North Bay cellist Jordan Wyshniowsky.
January 17 - March 30, 2020
NAISA North Media Arts Centre, 106 Ottawa Ave, South River, Canada.
“The experience of radio does not have to be limited to one-way communication (i.e., passive listening). Some of the early innovators of radio thought of it as a two-way interactive medium. This year’s Deep Wireless artists use wireless technology to explore interactivity between participants and the artworks while using the theme of transformation to suggest alternative paths of expression and communication. The installations and performances invite participation, but they also consciously allow for the public’s input to be transformed into unexpected outcomes.”—Darren Copeland, NAISA Artistic Director