We’re thrilled to share that Data Drums has won a 2026 Data Sonification Award in the Arts category!
“Data Drums: A Rhythmic Call to Climate Action” is a live performance that brings global CO₂ emissions to life through the dynamic beats of a Brazilian-style drum ensemble. Drawing on carbon emissions data from Brazil, India, and the United States, the four-movement piece translates numbers into rhythm. At various points in the performance each drum and beat represent a different slice of the data; Volume, tempo, and pattern shift to reflect emissions levels and growth rates. Through drumming the contrasts and connections between countries becomes visceral and immediate. You feel the emissions. The piece culminates in an interactive finale where the audience joins in, embodying the collective responsibility and possibility for climate action.
The project was co-created with Marcus Santos and Lily Gabaree, and supported by the Northeastern CAMD Climate Change and Public Communication Impact Group and the Northeastern Center for Transformative Media.
We’re proud of how this project pushes what data storytelling can be — not a chart or a dashboard, but a room full of people making noise together about climate change. Get in touch if you’re interested in bringing Data Drums or other participatory data experiences to your community. You can read more the ideas behind about Data Drums in my Community Data book.
