RECAP: Flying Fishtank #4
On September 14, 2025, the Soundpainting Community came together once again for Flying Fishtank #4, our quarterly online gathering. Participants from across the globe met to share ideas, strengthen ties, and push forward new initiatives for the future of Soundpainting.
Thanks to everyone who joined the session! Below is a short recap with links and next steps.
Here’s a snapshot of what we explored together:
Highlights
Santiago de Compostela Think Tank — field notes
Our July week in Santiago pushed the language through constraint-based labs and real-world testing. Inside the room, experienced leaders explored: pieces with Level-2-only content; one-sign pieces; even no-improvisation pieces; plus palette-building and multiple Flying Fish group formats. Each evening, we took it to the city with “guerrilla” micro-concerts, connecting Soundpainting directly with new and beautifully responsive audiences.
A huge thank-you to Xacobe Martínez Antelo and the Orquestra Galega de Liberación for the energy and hospitality hosting the event.
Docs: Natalie is compiling 20+ pages of notes and sign clarifications to feed the online dictionary and the Think Tank Archives.
SIC — Soundpainting International Conference (Blois, France)
Announced during the call: SIC will run Jan 23–25 in Blois with a 60-participant cap and a €200 fee (includes two lunches). Faculty: Walter Thompson, Johan Sabbe, Éric Chapelle, Angélique Cormier. Themes include palettes, multidisciplinary poetry, visual arts, and composing with movement; YET Ensemble performs on Saturday night. Registration is open (limited seats).
What’s next for FFT
FFT #5 — Sun, Dec 21, 2025 (online). Focus on dance, led by Andrea Ariel. Based on feedback, we’ll extend to 80–90 minutes. Andrea will coordinate with dancers and share the structure by Dec 1.
Future windows to pencil: Apr 19, 2026 • Jun 28, 2026.
Soundpainting Co-op — community support
We discussed a lightweight “co-op” model to cover website and community costs via a $10/year suggested contribution (about $622 needed for initial reimbursement). We’re also considering an annual “Soundpainting Day” as a friendly fundraising moment. Andrea Ariel, Lise, and Andrea Pryor will circulate a short proposal.
Workshops & Projects Mentioned
Walter Thompson — workshops in Singapore and Germany (Rostock).
France certifications (4–5 days) — new professional trainings in Paris.
Éric Chapelle (Batik) — workshops in Clermont-Ferrand.
Benjamin Nid — workshops near Lyon (Soundpainting plus other realtime sign languages).
Community projects — Sathya’s multidisciplinary project in Argentina; Andrea Ariel’s collaboration with Austin Unconducted (nine classical string players); several academic theses in progress.
Next Steps (from the call)
Andrea Ariel → coordinate the dance focus for Dec 21; share the outline by Dec 1.
Claude → connect with Natalie and David to delegate website/admin tasks.
Andrea A., Lise, Andrea P. → refine the Co-op proposal (donation flow + “Soundpainting Day”).
Everyone → join the Telegram groups for ongoing coordination and submit events via the admin tools.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and stepped forward.
We’re stronger because of you!
Stay Wrong & Strong,
The Soundpainting Community Team
