Sanatorium of Sound is a festival of experimental music and sound art organized by the In Situ Foundation in Sokołowsko, in the Lower Silesia region. Its first edition was held in 2014, and it has since become one of the most notable events in Europe dedicated to contemporary music and sound art. The festival attracts composers, musicians, visual artists, researchers, and sound enthusiasts from many countries, serving as a site of international exchange and premiering work at the intersection of various artistic disciplines.
Alongside concerts, the festival program features multimedia installations, performances, workshops, and panel discussions devoted to both new compositional approaches and unconventional sound practices. A key advantage of Sanatorium of Sound is its unique setting—the festival takes place in the revitalized spaces of a historic spa, lending the event a distinctive atmosphere that encourages artistic exploration. The heritage architecture of Sokołowsko and the surrounding mountains provide artists and participants alike with a singular perspective on sound and its relationship to the environment.
In previous editions, Sanatorium of Sound has welcomed artists representing a variety of musical styles and artistic backgrounds—from renowned veterans of the electroacoustic scene and academic composers, to younger generations of experimental creators. The festival’s multifaceted program allows each attendee to find something inspiring, whether it be classic forms of contemporary music, interactive installations, or workshops offering hands-on lessons in creating and processing sound.
Sanatorium of Sound is also a forum for discussing the role of sound in culture and society. During the festival, thematic panels bring together artists, curators, and researchers to debate issues related to sound, technology, and auditory perception. As a result, the event provides a platform for reflecting on the future of music and sound art, as well as on the importance of innovation in composition and the popularization of avant-garde creativity.
The festival organizers—In Situ Foundation—make every effort to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere and to actively involve the local community in the initiative. Through this approach, Sanatorium of Sound not only fosters the growth of independent and experimental art in the region but also draws numerous visitors from Poland and abroad to Sokołowsko. Consequently, the festival serves not just an artistic role but also an educational and integrative one, enhancing the cultural life of Lower Silesia and reinforcing Sokołowsko’s position as an important hub for creative work in experimental music.
