Archived press release

Giant sound sculpture makes airwaves for earth summit

31 July 2002

A giant sound sculpture featuring voices and noises from around the world will deliver a visual and audio message to world leaders at the UN Earth Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa [1] in August. The sculpture, made up of thousands of figures, will highlight the need for greater regulation of business to protect communities and the environment.

The art installation, called Hear Our Voice, has been commissioned by Friends of the Earth International as part of a campaign for a new global treaty on corporate accountability [2]. The figures, designed by local artists in South Africa and built by local community groups using recycled material, represent the diverse voices of people all over the world who are struggling to defend their environment and their communities. Up to 10,000 figures will surround a “corporate giant”, representing the power of business [3].

A soundtrack accompanying the installation will convey messages and noises collected from individuals around the world, supporting the call for greater protection for communities and the environment. Messages and noises made for the Summit can also be heard at Friends of the Earth’s on-line radio station at www.radioearthsummit.org [4]

Liana Stupples for Friends of the Earth said:

“Hear Our Voice is art with a message that we want world leaders at the Earth Summit to see and hear. Built by local communities, using recycled material, this installation is an example of sustainable development in action – as well as a powerful means of making our message heard. The Earth Summit is a crucial opportunity for world leaders to take action to protect our environment. Politicians must listen to the voices of ordinary people and act.”

Notes

[1] The Earth Summit, otherwise known as the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development, takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 26th August – 4th September 2002.
[2] For more information on Friends of the Earth’s campaign for greater corporate accountability see www.foe.co.uk/corporates/
[3] Thousands of figures are being built by 11 community groups in Soweto and the surrounding areas, using moulds designed by local artists. The figures are made from biodegradable paper, made from waste materials. Photos of the work in progress are available from the press office at Friends of the Earth.
[4] Individuals can send their own message to the Earth Summit via Radio Earth Summit on www.radioearthsummit.org A selection of sounds from the site will be used to create a soundtrack for the installation and this will be played during the installation at the Earth Summit.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust