In the 2026 LAC Lugano Art and Culture will celebrate its first ten years with an original initiative that combines creativity, identity and innovation: a composition competition dedicated to creating the cultural center's new sound signal. A minimal yet meaningful gesture, inviting the audience to take their seats, transformed into a symbol of recognition and welcome.

Il “The Sound of LAC” call for proposals, was born with the aim of finding a short, evocative and distinctive sound, capable of representing the personality of the LAC and the city of Lugano: elegant, contemporary, international.

A signal that invites, not commands

The idea behind the competition is to rethink the function of the classic theater signal. Instead of a simple technical reminder, the LAC aims to offer a moment of sound transition Between waiting and listening, between the buzz of the foyer and the silence of the room. The new sound must be recognizable yet discreet, capable of setting the mood without interrupting.

The selection will be led by an exceptional jury chaired by the artist and sound theorist Steve Goodman (aka Kode9), flanked by prominent figures such as Father Antonio Puliggi, Andrea Amarante, Carmelo Rifici, Letizia Ragaglia, Marco Kohler e Gunther Giovannoni. The involvement of a group of Musica subscribers and LAC+ members in an advisory capacity is also planned, to make the choice shared and representative.

Requirements and rewards

Il composition competition It is open to composers who are Swiss or have been resident in Switzerland for at least three years, with no age limit. Artists active in contemporary composition, sound art, electronic music, or acousmatic music are eligible.

The works must have a duration between 30 and 45 seconds, be designed for electronic stereo reproduction and maintain clarity even in large, crowded environments. Voices or spoken text are prohibited.

The winner will receive a prize of 5.000 francs and will see his work adopted as official LAC sound signal, presented during the tenth anniversary celebrations. The author will also have the opportunity to collaborate with the Center for the Development of short versions, seasonal adaptations or digital formats, thus contributing to the construction of a coherent and dynamic institutional sound identity.

How to participate

Applications must be submitted by April 12, 2026 to the email address:
(I.e. thesoundoflac@laclugano.ch
(with subject: Composition Competition “The Sound of LAC” – [Name Surname]).

Required materials include an audio file (WAV or AIFF format, 48 kHz, 24-bit), a statement of intent, a brief artistic biography, and a document certifying compliance with the admission requirements. Proposals must be submitted via secure link or Swisstransfer.

A sound as a signature

The selected work will not only be a functional signal, but will become a sound signature: a way of saying “you’re here, and it’s about to begin.”
Over the course of its ten years of activity, the LAC has built a recognizable architectural and cultural identity; now it aims to add a new piece, invisible but perceptible: his voice.