Pulse is a fun and experimental project inspired by the nerve endings that allow you to feel if your hair is moved or touched. This interactive sound installation from Neon Dance features a series of 10 x 10cm tiles each containing a single artificial ‘hair’ that responds to movement and touch by producing sound. A change in magnetic field detected by a sensor in each tile is converted to modify the pitch and volume of digitally synthesised sound. A collaboration between Neon Dance (Adrienne Hart) and technologist Dr Hemma Philamore (Bristol Robotics Lab) with composer Sebastian Reynolds, Pulse has been co-created with South Asian communities (Changing Suits, Swindon, UK), visually impaired communities (Bristol Beacon) and over 3500 young people as part of Festival of Tomorrow (2024 - 2025).

A chance to play, explore, and discover how our bodies can make music, shape space, and connect with others, young people interacting with Pulse commented on feeling ‘calm’, ‘focused’ and ‘immersed’. They also felt a sense of unity and connection between others interacting with the piece and the piece itself.