During her month-long residency at TYPA in Tartu, Jana delved into the vibrant cycling culture of Estonia. This residency provided a platform to connect, collaborate, and experiment, aiming to engage the public in artistic projects that highlighted the importance of cycling while putting an important focus on sustainability. Most of her art supplies were sourced from TYPA's recycling bins or second-hand stores, and the entire workshop minimised waste, using only paper tape and recycled cardboard. The materials were gathered and reused wherever possible, demonstrating how artistic production and eco-conscious practices can align.
 
A Three-Part Residency: Research, Workshop, and Performance
Jana’s residency was structured around three main initiatives: She started doing research on cycling culture, art projects and urban planning for cyclists in Tartu, extended by interviews and discussions. This first phase was followed by a bicycle talk, an open workshop to collect ideas from both cycling enthusiasts and casual passersby about their wishes and dreams when it comes to biking. Over 100 people took part, engaging in art, conversation, and creating a welcoming “bicycle shed” experience on the street. Jana’s final project was a unique sound performance titled “Noise Maps,” a musical bike ride through Tartu. Inspired by discussions on cyclist visibility and safety, she invited community members to take part in a 5-km ride where bicycles became musical instruments. Riders created sounds by modifying their bikes with sustainable materials, turning an everyday ride into an immersive, auditory experience. Instructions guided participants to sing, ring bells, and interact with their bikes to create a layered soundscape. Despite the rain, the event was a success, with community members of all ages joining in.

Reflections and Looking Ahead
Jana left Tartu inspired - envisioning future iterations of her work in other cities and festivals. Both the “Bicycle Talk” workshop and “Noise Maps” performance are adaptable and designed for community participation, making them suitable for other urban spaces that celebrate cycling and sustainable transport. Her time at the residency served as a testament to the role of art in fostering community connections, and it underscored the potential for art to inspire dialogue on sustainability and cycling culture.

Thanks to: Goethe-Institut, Czechia, Czech Centres, Tartu 2024, Tartu City and TYPA

About: Composer-performer Jana De Troyer (@jana.detroyer) explores the dynamic boundaries between styles and disciplines, deftly alternating her roles as composer, free improviser, instrumentalist, human being, sound artist and coder. In addition to being a contemporary saxophonist, Jana has a strong interest in exploring different forms of expression and uniting them. This love for experimentation leads to a variety of creative collaborations with composers, musicians and artists from other disciplines such as visual arts, dance and programming. Her creative output includes both instrumental and electronic music, as well as interactive installations, media art, and audiovisual works