Form Arcosanti 2016
Year three. Form is taking shape at Arcosanti.
The space is unfamiliar to many but built to support transients, and in conjunction with the lineup of musicians, it becomes approachable to those who would not normally find themselves visiting Arcosanti.
The setting shows how 100 people live in the desert, carrying out a vision with the question in mind, "how shall we live?"
Many people say that Form Arcosanti is a life-changing event. But how? What intentions did each person have leading up to the event? I attended Form last year. There is an application process, and it challenges the audience to think about their role, what they will contribute, why they want to attend, and what inspires them. There are many ways to approach this set of questions that grant entry. The Form team reads each application, inviting those whose decorum will be a good fit for the space, as it is a home year-round to many.
The application set the tone for me in 2015, and through the application process, I built a new purpose for myself and showed up again to reflect and continue with new purposes in 2016.
Consequently, attending Form Arcosanti immerses you in a setting which exhibits a deliberate way to live a life. While sauntering along the landscape between performances, it's common to pass someone who lives at Arcosanti who is working on something and happy to enlighten you. There are cliffs upon which to relax and reflect, a pool where you can cool off, people to meet, and trails to hike. You'll often pass the zany electrician Dr. Sparks or Jeff Stein pleasantly observing and constantly gliding around attending the shows. Even if you catch glimpse of a resident's cute little garden, part of you will light up.
Arcosanti is a place where one can observe every little precious thing. And to drape music over this already inspiring commune in the desert, so elegantly designed and respectfully erected; to bring a sonic element to this setting is elevating. The music engages you in the surroundings and the environment lends to an enchanting experience for both the performers and the audience, thereby energizing each other.
Another very special attribute of Form is how acknowledged each person feels. Perhaps one is attending, performing, volunteering, or executing the event. There is no sense of entitlement that dominates the atmosphere. The event is free, and if you were there, you were asked to come. Life can be a struggle for many to feel noticed. It is tough to get a grip on inherent self worth in a world that moves too fast, that can be so cruel, that can leave many in the shadows. Form Arcosanti is indeed a sanctuary for dreamers, careful observers, and people who have a strong urge to connect with others and contribute something to the world.
Form Arcosanti is a confident display of talent. It is comprised of a group of people who are in touch with suffering and joy and how to shape a good life. Form is made up of a team of conductors of the orchestra that is its lineup, and each performer in lineup bolsters the other. The three days are a long conversation on how a good life can be shaped and how we as individuals can wield our own separate powers to make change on a greater scale.
Sound is important. Arranging sound is music. Sound is reference. It is a detectable wave not limited to the ear but felt in the body. And it is relatable, cathartic, and therapeutic. It brings people together to celebrate or be vulnerable as one. Thank you for arranging the sounds of Form Arcosanti and affecting us in ways that take time to truly articulate.
