Sounds of bumblebees to boost safety in troubled area – costs hundreds of thousands of kronor

In connection with the renovation and re-inauguration of Nacksta Center last October, a new ‘sound installation’ by artist Sandra Mozard was unveiled. It consists of speakers that play natural sounds—something not everyone is pleased about.

The renovation of Nacksta Center has been ongoing for several years, and it includes new walking and bicycle paths, more trees, and new playground equipment in the park.

Since the end of last year, six speakers have also been installed on lampposts in Nacksta Park, playing sounds of bumblebees and plants swaying in the wind from 7 am to 10 pm every day.

“Sundsvall Municipality wants artistic expressions to create comfort and offer new experiences in our residential areas,” the municipality wrote in a Facebook post on October 26.

“I have recorded tons of different sounds, mixed them, and when they are heard from the speakers, I hope they will inspire dreams and more imagination,” says Sandra Mozard.

Neighbors protest

The intention is for the renovation to increase safety and comfort in the area, but not everyone agrees that it works very well.

In a letter to the editor from December in Sundsvalls Tidning, a local resident complains about the sounds:

Sound recordings as an artistic expression near homes are totally inappropriate and very disturbing for nearby residents.

Different sounds go on and off throughout the day and night, resulting in disturbed afternoon rests and night sleep.

Silence is a luxury today, so why deliberately install irritating sounds?

The writer instead suggests colorful benches as a way to increase comfort.

A quarter of a million kronor

According to city planning director Andreaz Strömgren, the municipality has received “very positive feedback on the work” and thinks it’s “unfortunate that there are nearby residents who find the work disturbing.”

On the podcast “Skratta eller gråta” (Laugh or Cry), Waste Ombudsman Philip Syrén reveals that Sandra Mozard’s sound installation cost taxpayers nearly a quarter of a million—246,660 kronor.