The Ecomusicology Project
A partnership comprising sound artists, musicians, community practitioners, horticulturists and makers, based at Stanmer Organics in Brighton
The Ecomusicology Project is a newly formed partnership comprising sound artists, musicians, community practitioners, horticulturists and makers, based at Stanmer Organics in Brighton.
We aim to create an open inclusive space for ecomusical experimentation, education and interaction. Ecomusicology is the convergence of music, culture and the environment at the intersection of nonhuman and human sound worlds, and our project is based around creating a flexible, multi-use environment for workshops, exhibitions, performances and installations on a short and long term basis.
If you are interested in getting involved or would like to suggest a workshop or activity, please do get in touch – we are very open to creative collaborations!
Volunteers needed!
Update!
We are now having a regular once a month volunteer session on the last Sunday of every month, 11am-5pm. Feel free to drop in!
There is a map showing the walk from Stanmer village to the plot here:
MAP: Stanmer Village to The Ecomusicology Project
The 78 bus goes directly to Stanmer Village, leaving from Old Steine, Brighton – the timetable is here.
We have some big plans for the plot – if you’d like to help realise them please do get in touch. Plans include:
- Resurrecting and expanding the compost areas and introduce biochar making.
- Using applied mycology with a view to speeding up the decomposition of woodchip that can help with mulch, soil and habitat creation.
- Constructing rain water harvesting systems and a solar powered, solenoid triggered, gravity drawn irrigation system.
- Repair and renovate the existing structures including weatherproofing the shed, pruning the willow dome, maintaining the planted areas, the pond, and managing the existing flora at the plot.
- Creating a ceramics area, including bicycle powered throwing wheel and raku firing pit
Blog
Spring Soundmapping
by Bethan Prosser
15/03/2024
Participatory Soundmapping
by Bethan Prosser
15/01/2024
Workshop ideas
We are compiling topics for future workshops and we welcome your suggestions and ideas.
Field recording
Using special microphones and recording devices to capture sounds of plants, their roots, pond life, and the flora and fauna in the Stanmer Organics environment.
Deep Listening
Creative workshops that support learning through listening to our environment with others, in ways that embrace different listening practices, experiences and positionalities– running sound walks around the plot and wider Stanmer Organics area with guided deep listening techniques.
Instrument Making
Using sustainable materials grown onsite to manufacture and play various instruments, sound sculptures and sound art
Bioacoustics
Purpose made areas/raised beds using various localised sound sources to experiment with effects on growth and wellbeing of plants.
Biosonics
Using analogue and digital technology to tune into the environment and plant life and focus on the relationship between sound and the body. This can also become a sound source for musical experimentation or live improvisations.
Ceramics
Using various pottery techniques to create clay art or functional wear for onsite use.This will also overlap into instrument building such as drums and percussion.
Graphic Scores/Improvised Sessions
Inviting composers to the plot to create graphic scores based on/interpreting the plot/area and running music sessions for groups of improvising musicians and artists to interact with. This will overlap with biosonics on some level.
Community Music Making
Directly engaging groups such as older people, refugees, and the neurodivergent that often have limited access to these creative resources to learn instruments, and play music, especially in such an inspiring location.
Queer Ecology
A perspective exploring nature, biology, sexuality and gender through the lens of queer theory using disciplines such as biopolitics, ecofeminism, environmental justice and humanities. Queer listening sessions and soundwalks will be held to experience the natural environment through sound, aimed specifically at the local LGBTQ+ community.
Aeolian Sculpture
Creating wind activated sculptural pieces that are inspired by the Stanmer Organics environment and sympathetic to its surroundings
Hügelkultur
Building mound beds and experimenting with this growing technique. Growing mounds and keyhole raised beds can also allow accessibility for the differently abled to participate in horticulture.
Sound Plotting
Sound Plotting was a day of sound art installations, activities and music organised by the team behind The Ecomusicology Project back in August 2022.
We took a very site-specific approach to developing installations for the day, making connections with plot-holders such as Woodcraft Workshops, the Centre for Ecotherapy, Wyld Service, Breathing Space and Fork & Dig It to create sound art pieces that interacted with the great spaces they have developed there.
The event was met with very positive feedback from both the public and artists involved. The video to the right from Latest TV gives a good overview of the event.
There are plans in the pipeline for more of these to come!
The Partnership
The Ecomusicology Project brings together five organisations that have a rich history based in sound art, performance and community music.
Often referred to as ‘the best live venue in Brighton’, the Rose Hill programme consistently interesting, varied and adventurous performances. Besides regular live music, they host film screenings, workshops and classes, and support artists and curators with their work.
Lost Property Arts Collective specialise in site-specific sound events – bringing sound works to unusual spaces, and working with communities via workshops. They have also staged many experimental music gigs in Brighton and along the South Coast since their inception in 2014.
Brighton and Hove Music for Connection (BHMC) is the city’s specialist community music organisation for adults to connect and create together for wellbeing and social inclusion.
They’ve worked extensively at Stanmer Park, including a year-long programme of sound, listening, and music workshops in 2021/22 as part of the HLF-funded Stanmer Park Restoration Project. Since 2016 they have been funded by the NHS and Brighton and Hove City Council, and work with a wide range of community groups such as older people, refugees, for mental health, and community string projects.
Sound Art Brighton is an artist collective that organises and curates sound art events, actions, workshops, listen-gatherings, sound walks and talks in Brighton and further afield. They have built a sound art network of institutions, collectives and individuals with established contacts in Europe.
At The Coach House is a space in Kemptown, Brighton, for performance, workshops and events. Their aim is to promote creative living and well being by placing the local environment, people, plants, geography and architecture – at the heart of all they do.
