Culture Lab LIC is proud to announce the debut of Music for Healing, by multidisciplinary artist, Angelica Olstad. Music for Healing is an immersive installation that combines the power of music with science-backed healing modalities. The project – backed by a $10,000 NYSCA grant – explores new ways to connect through a set of different modalities and practices that explores the installation space as an opportunity to connect through a shared experience.
"At Culture Lab LIC, we believe in the power of art to inspire, heal, and unite communities," said Artistic Director, Tess Howsam. "With Music for Healing we are thrilled to provide a platform for exploring innovative approaches to wellness that are grounded in scientific research and accessible to all."
Music for Healing will be featured as part of the Culture Lab LIC’s forthcoming exhibition, “Shattered” which focuses on mental health. “The show aims to not only raise awareness for mental health issues but the importance of art as both a healing tool and outlet,” said Dawn DeVito, curator of Shattered.
Scheduled to run from May 2nd to June 2, 2024, Music for Healing is a unique collaboration between leading scientists, musicians, creative technologists, and artists. Through a blend of soothing audiovisual displays, filmed content showing people from the community meditating and dancing, color therapy, multichannel sound, and guided audio meditations, attendees will delve into the transformative potential of sound and music in promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Also featured as part of the experience, is the use of an EEG – an instrument for measuring brain activity in visitors. Once activated, the EEG will impact the installation environment to create a tailored experience based on each unique visitor’s brain chemistry. This interactivity incentivizes participants to go deeper into the experience.
The immersive soundscape that comprises the exhibition was written by Angelica Olstad with the intention of creating healing experiences for visitors. “I wanted to challenge the idea that music for healing needs to sound like you’re in a spa,” says Olstad. “So I set to work with scientists to figure out the ideal beats per minute (BPM) and other musical characteristics needed to put visitors in a relaxed and healing state.” The resulting fifty-five minute composition is minimalist and introspective, featuring piano and analog synths. The instrumental piece will be released as a companion piece to the installation as its own album titled, “Music for Healing: Introspection” which will be available to stream on May 24th.
Olstad’s music was described as The Wire as, “Openly appreciative of the constituents of a tradition whil at the same time calling fundamental assumptions into question”. Her musical style is minimalist in nature and often includes unconventional mediums including field recordings, video art, analog synths, and soundscapes.
“Music for Healing addresses increased feelings of isolation and loneliness in a post-Covid world,” said artist Angelica Olstad. “This project is a culmination of my experiences as a community wellness teacher, classically trained pianist, and cultural producer. As a mixed-race artist, I am committed to making wellness and arts experiences more accessible to a wider audience, specifically, BIPOC audiences who might not have access to traditional arts and wellness opportunities. My dream is for people to come to this space, find a comforting place to heal and to want to come back to over and over again..”
The artist partnered with a team of highly talented individuals and organizations from Donald Judd inspired pieces, production at 100 Sutton Studios an Samples from Mars, movement work by director Elena Vazintaris who’s worked with the likes of Chanel and Dior, an sponsored by Arts Equity Group. Full credits list can be viewed HERE.
In partnership with Culture Lab LIC, Music for Healing will also feature community programming through lectures, live outdoor concerts, free meditation and yoga classes accompanied by music and educational talks for schools. Programming will be designed with underserved populations in mind. Music for Healing invites visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore, engage, and experience the transformative power of music in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Music for Healing is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
For more information on open hours and event information, please visit Culture Lab LIC at https://www.culturelablic.org
