Every nation has its unique flag and anthem – symbols displayed in front of every building, taught in schools, and proudly embraced by each citizen. But for a digital nation – without borders, spread across the globe – how can we create something that unifies them regardless? 

Common Signal is a living anthem – a collective constitution composed of every citizen’s presence. Each citizen’s name or unique ID will be translated into a Morse code sequence, with colors assigned based on demographic qualities such as age, location, or other chosen identifiers. Strung together, these sequences form a living anthem for the nation, growing as its populations increases.

The anthem exists in two forms:

1. Digital – as a single, continuous sequence that can be displayed across online platforms (a border on websites, a shared visual signature).

2. Physical – as a simple LED bar that can be displayed anywhere in the world. This portability allows citizens to experience the anthem not just as data, but as an embodied symbol of belonging  that is both minimal and beautiful. The LED bars can even be grouped together for in-person gatherings, creating a monolithic representation of the nation. 

Common Signal is designed to be universal and participatory: every citizen contributes a unique fragment, yet the whole only exists when all fragments are joined. It is simple enough to replicate anywhere, yet carries the depth of being a collective symbol – a chorus composed of every member of this nation. 

Deliverables
1) A piece of software that translates a citizen’s unique ID into a Morse-based visual sequence.
2) A hardware demo of the anthem displayed on an LED bar.

About me
I am an artist with a background in sculpture, installation, and software. I have prior experience in programming LED installations. I’m confident in both the technical and artistic feasibility of this project, and in my ability to complete it within the given timeframe.