Today, we're excited to reveal further details about 'COMMS FAIL' - Roy Claire Potter's Unlimited UK Partner Award Commission, realised in collaboration with Liverpool Biennial.
“What if satellite connectivity failed? A massive burst of energy erupts from our sun and telecommunications, navigation systems, the power grid – all knocked out. Imagine that. And then imagine you still need to be heard, find your people, make things work.”
Dystopian science fiction revels in these anxiety narratives – the chaos! – but it isn’t really fiction. Coronal Mass Ejections affecting Earth’s own electromagnetic systems are a likely future occurrence, resembling documented past events. Scientists, government bodies, tech investors, some amateur radio societies and even lone preppers all try to be ready for the next solar eruption, and the disruption to normal, everyday life it will bring.
But what does it mean to feel privately familiar with these ideas? What if you are the sun? A vital intensity fit to burst and when you do, waves of impact knock those in your orbit. Maybe you are already unable to navigate the world? Perhaps the stoked-up, circling, swell of your power has before frazzled your own communication systems – too much, can’t speak – you shut down. If you are familiar with these ideas, do you have valuable knowledge for the future?
‘COMMS FAIL’ by Roy Claire Potter explores the very fabric of communication through a multicomponent artwork that will unfold throughout 2026. Several iterations and translations including, a performance, a live radio broadcast, an album with booklet, and a sculptural installation, explore the grammar of communicative resilience and remote connection by amplifying autistic perspectives.
On Saturday 2 May, a staged performance at Bluecoat, will invite a live audience to help produce a radio broadcast for a remote audience. There will be gentle interaction with ushers and performers to pick your preferred spot to enjoy the action, and to contribute by making sounds or being quiet, moving props, or being a witness.
Further details, including how to book tickets for the performance, will be announced in March 2026. Watch this space!
‘COMMS FAIL’ is written, devised and produced by Roy Claire Potter. The creative team includes Jamie Gawronski, Elodie Horsewell, Andrew Li, Rima Salem and Anya Taylor. Music is by Carmel Smickersgill. Audio Production from Kit Callin. Research consultancy by Erik Chancy of Norsk Radio Relæ Liga, and SNRS Research Director Philippe Zarka at Paris Observatory. ‘COMMS FAIL’ has been generously supported by a research residency at Art Explora, Paris. The work is hosted by partner venues and organisations including Bluecoat, Resonance FM, Cafe OTO and Chapter.
An Unlimited UK Partner Award 2025 commission with Liverpool Biennial, made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England.