Sound creation and action as protest: exploration in the public space in Guayaquil

Abstract

The article addresses how sound is used for the appropriation and transformation of public space, through the intervention ‘Sound Exploration in Public Space’ (ESEP), conducted on November 30, 2024, at the intersection of Av. Panamá and Calle Imbabura in Guayaquil. This initiative employed sound pieces from the AunAún project, designed to interact with the urban environment and its inhabitants. Despite initial resistance from municipal authorities, the intervention successfully engaged passersby, transforming their routine into a collective experience of dance and celebration. ESEP aligns with initiatives like Buenos Aires Sonora and Reclaim the Streets, aiming to activate public spaces and challenge power dynamics that limit artistic expressions in the city. The action demonstrated the potential of sound as a tool for resistance and social cohesion, underscoring the need for more inclusive and participatory urban spaces