INFRA was born from Puertos/Ports: Residency Program of Creation (2018) as one of the six residencies held in different cities of Bolivia, all developed of interdisciplinary groups of creators who worked with specific populations.

In the city of Cochabamba, the following mediators participated: Víctor Mazón Gardoqui (ES) specialized in perception limits, sound and light programming, La Lupa: contemporary dance company (BO), the duo of sound experimentation DLP_electronics ( AR-BO) and volunteers from the Cochabamba Deaf Association (ASORCO). The goal was to develop a collective investigation that explores the relationship that deaf people establish with sound and vibration.

The result of this experience was an immersive listening piece, presented in Cochabamba and La Paz, where it was selected to inaugurate the third edition of Sonandes: Biennial of sound art . The residence developed an installation of the same name, that was exhibited in the city of El Alto. It was mounted on a ship container and remained on display for a month, as part of the biennial activities.

The research conducted in that first laboratory prompted the investigation to continue, expanding the mediation group. The recognition of Prince Claus Fund Next Generation 2019 , Iberescena (2018-2019), Eduardo Abaroa Award ( 2018) and Urban Interventions Program (2019) and the support of institutions, such as the Center of the Cultural Revolution (BO), Parque Explora (CO), Radio Televisión Colombiana - RTVC (CO), University of the Republic of Uruguay (UY), MONTEAUDIO Festival (UY) and Espacio Belgrado (AR) it was possible to make a tour of the cities of La Paz , Medellín , Buenos Aires and Montevideo . The laboratories were developed with a wide number of profiles and communities of both deaf people and mediators, who had great influence on the research.

The focus established by the research is to create:

Tool kit

Create a free access tool kit, where collectives, associations and individuals can contribute new experiences, added to the findings of the research in process.

Community and participation

Connect deaf communities from different latitudes. Generate a workspace that links them with sound and vibration, from an active participation.

Collective laboratory

Develop research laboratories with different deaf communities. Diversify groups and interests within the processes and propose new ways of listening.

Collective processes and work methodology

I N F R A proposes research as a way to interact, where each participant develops experiences that respond to their concerns and needs. The devices generated in this process are strengthened with the collective review and reflection, articulating a platform capable of making the socialization of knowledge feasible.

The physicality of sound and vibration is explored and experienced directly, distributing experiences in visual, tactile, bodily, spatial manifestations, etc.

The laboratories generate experiences available on this platform, organized in practical files that gather a list of materials, accompanied by a recommended procedure.
All laboratories end with an open exhibition-performance, with the intention of sharing the experience with the deaf and hearing communities, to provide feedback from the reactions and opinions of the attendees. The members of the laboratories are responsible for conducting the experiences, having a direct and active participation, from the design of the devices to the mediation with the visitors.
All the results and processes are free to use by any interested party at a private or institutional level.

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