The newest artist to join the SETI Artists-in-Residence (SETI AIR) program, Felipe Pérez Santiago, will perform at the Montalvo Arts Center as part of their Open Access Program on Friday, April 27. Felipe is a composer, arranger, guitarist, conductor and sound artist. Following the performance, he will be joined in conversation by SETI Institute President and CEO Bill Diamond, visual artist and SETI AIR Program Director Charles Lindsay, SETI Institute co-founder Jill Tarter, Lucas Artists Program Fellow Jen Bervin, and Montalvo Lucas Artists Program Curator Donna Conwell.

The SETI AIR program facilitates an exchange of ideas between artists and scientists, fostering inspiration and leading to new modes of understanding and expression. More than a dozen artists have developed new and compelling work in dialogue with SETI Institute scientists. Some examples include an installation inspired by the Kepler Space Telescope and its search for Earth-like exoplanets and a poem for an interstellar dust cloud. 

Felipe will share the progress of his musical project, Earthling, which he is developing in partnership with Jill Tarter. The project involves gathering language and sound recordings from around the world that, when finished, will be mixed and merged live, along with performances by a wide range of musicians.

“We are thrilled to bring the musical and artistic creativity of Felipe Pérez Santiago to the SETI Institute’s Artist in Residence Program, and delighted to be collaborating with Montalvo in this endeavor and the exploration of the convergence of art and science more broadly,” said SETI Institute President and CEO Bill Diamond.

“We are excited to welcome Felipe to SETI AIR,” said Charles Lindsay, SETI AIR Program Director. “Felipe is a highly-acclaimed individual who brings his great enthusiasm and talent to the SETI Institute. This is our first musician as artist in residence, our first foreign recipient, and Dr. Tarter’s first one-on-one artist collaboration. Big thanks to Lucas Arts / Montalvo for their involvement and support. Please stay tuned for details about this ambitious project.”

Tickets for this event can be purchased through the Montalvo Arts Center here: http://montalvoarts.org/events/open_access_0418/