IT could be described as a bit batty, but not for Glasgow-based artist Hanna Tuulikki, who has launched a nationwide search for bat recordings as part of a new project.

She is compiling an archive of sounds to be made into a public audio library, from which she is planning to compose a new piece of music to feature in a performance event at Arbroath’s Hospitalfield House arts centre, as part of their 2021-22 programme.

Now she has appealed to wildlife enthusiasts and ecologists who may have recordings of the echolocation calls – pinpointing objects by reflected sound – of bats in Scotland and further afield.

Tuulikki, who was nominated for the Max Mara Art Prize last year, wants to compose a new piece of music using the soundtracks.

Her new sonic composition – Echo in the Dark – will tune into more-than-human rhythms and frequencies to explore the interconnections between bat echolocation and embodied dance music as a model for ecological coexistence.

The artist’s work covers composing, performance, film and multi-channel audio-visual installation, blending vocal music, choreography, costume and drawing.

Hospitalfield House has commissioned her for four months of studio time to develop ideas for her new work.

Tuulikki (pictured) said: “Bat echolocation calls are too high for humans to hear naturally, but by using a bat detector, the ultrasonic signals can be converted into audible sound waves, allowing us to tune into their detailed rhythms, clicks and buzzes.

“Is it possible to appreciate these sounds as music? What might it feel like to dance to music created by these bat call rhythms?

“I’m interested to find out, exploring a space where species meet.”

Tuulikki can be contacted at inthedarkecho@gmail.com.