Join the soundscape: 'Our Places: Connecting People & Nature'

We are excited to share that we are partnering with film and media producer Kate Raisz at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History to gather audio content for their upcoming exhibition, "Our Places: Connecting People & Nature," opening July 1.

The exhibit explores how we are shaped and shaping nature through connections in the special places we live, work, study, and visit. As a part of this, their team is creating a "soundscape" that features deeply personal statements from individuals in multiple languages, speaking from the heart about their own connections to nature and their own special places. Some examples:

“Nature and just being outside makes me feel free and have a peaceful mindset.”  

“Estar en contacto con la naturaleza nos ayuda a recargar energía y relajarnos.”

“All around us, there is some connection to nature. Maybe it’s a plant growing through the crack of the cement at your local grocery store or the local park down the street from your house.”

We would be honored if you and your community could contribute your own thoughts about nature for the exhibit.

Here's how to participate:

  1. Create an audio recording using a smartphone. Speak close to the microphone. Outside is better than inside but watch out for wind noise. Quiet places are better than loud.
  2. Length should be no more than two or three sentences (roughly 10-15 seconds maximum).
  3. Speak in your native language.
  4. Completed recordings can be emailed to Kate directly: raiszk@si.edu
  5. Names are not needed.
  6. Submissions are due by April 29 but can be sent earlier if possible.