Sonic Sites

Sonic Sites is an interdisciplinary sound art initiative that redefines churches in the RheinMain area as social, acoustic and creative resonance spaces. The project invites people to experience these special places not only as spiritual spaces, but also as open, communal and cultural spaces. Originally launched in 2024 under the title Public Listening in the Johanneskirche Offenbach, the concept will be further developed in 2025 under the new name Sonic Sites.

The focus is on monthly events in which experimental music, sound installations and performative formats respond to the specific atmospheres of church architecture. Sonic Sites uses sound art as a medium for intercultural dialogue, social participation and aesthetic research. Churches are understood as ‘third places’ where new forms of encounter, discussion and community can emerge.

The project addresses key social challenges: the vacancy of church buildings, social fragmentation and the loss of public spaces. It sees itself as a platform for participatory art and design processes and brings together church communities, residents and artists alike. By combining sound art, architecture and social interaction, Sonic Sites creates new atmospheres – and thus contributes to the democratic design of our living spaces.

Luca Ganz is a theologian, artist and curator. He combines sound art and social interventions. In his artistic formats, he allows church spaces to be experienced in a new way as places of encounter. Prof. Dr. Christine Hoffmann is a practical theologian and provides academic support for the project.