OPTION is an ongoing music salon curated by Chicago musicians Andrew Clinkman, Lily Finnegan, and Dorothy Carlos. Its programming explores contemporary perspectives on improvisation and composition in a ‘salon’ format, enabling local, national, and international artists to publicly discuss their…

Live presentations featuring experimental sound, music, and interdisciplinary performances by local and international artists.

Site-specific and gallery-based sound art installations that engage spatial and auditory experience.

Online broadcasts showcasing live or pre-recorded experimental sound performances and related programming.

Film and video presentations exploring the intersection of sound, music, and visual media.

Discussions, lectures, and hands-on sessions led by artists and scholars on topics in experimental sound and music.

A collection of past ESS programs, performances, and exhibitions available for reference and research.