sound_café_2008_call_for

The quality of work received was impressive; a variety of musical, phonographic and mixed treatments of the core themes. One of the reasons for holding this event is to further research into certain types of sound work which might not be readily accessible commercially or online. Multi-channel work is particularly difficult to access and the submissions received were most welcome. The other reason is to look at audience development in the context of hosting events outside of the big cities. Although visitor numbers were small, those who did attend were appreciative and eager to learn more about works of sound art. We were particularly pleased to welcome those artists and curators who made the journey from London and Dorset. The curators in particular expressed interest in developing the presentational concept behind Sound Café. The quality of work 'on show' helped to fuel this interest.

At the moment the 'art event in a living room' is once again becoming fashionable. Sound Café was essentially an extension of this type of event; intimate, open and relaxed, with an opportunity to discuss works as they were presented. Sound artists all want to promote their work, to have a good listening audience. Following the event certain ideas come to mind. First of all it helps to keep a very open mind regarding audience development and to lean less towards the dominant paradigms. By this I mean that it might be beneficial to seek out audiences in the places and spaces where they already gather as opposed to setting up a venue and inviting people in. A mother and a very tiny baby visited the afternoon installations. Mother walked around the speakers with the child, letting the child react to the sounds. She suggested that this sort of event would work well at a mother and toddlers group, relaxing the mothers and stimulating the children. My first private reaction was to dismiss this but on closer inspection the idea might hold promise, in particular with certain types of soundscape work. I did say that an open mind was needed.

So once again thanks to all the contributors and to those who visited. The photos below were taken during the afternoon installations. We were all too engrossed in the evening to take pictures. I leave you with some words from Duncan Whitley and I'll post more as they come in:-

"I'm writing to say how much I enjoyed the Sound Cafe event, particularly the evening event, last week in Jedburgh. Despite relatively small numbers in attendance, it was a joy to listen to a selection of quality sound works in the intimate Sound Cafe environment. It was a good bunch of people who attended, and I think the conversations which began about the work could have continued had there been time. Its always quite special to hear artists talk about their work in a relaxed, informal setting, so it was great that some people participating managed to make it along.

Obviously we showed some of our collaborative work in development, and it was quite enjoyable to get some reaction on the work. It may sound funny, but by the specific nature of our work its not so often that I've had a chance to listen to our pieces in the four-channel environment (either due to not having the space to set up the work, or not readily having access to the equipment). This was the first time I'd had a chance to hear these particular edits since we edited in Aberdeen last summer, so I really benefitted from that opportunity.

If we can started developing audiences, I think there would be great potential for extending the Sound Cafe event to a 2 or 3 day event with soundwalks and other things we've discussed (such as an environmental sounds for mothers and babies session!). Especially in the summer, since the setting of Jedburgh is so wonderful, the possibility of outdoor as well as indoor activities and events would extend the potential of Sound Cafe."

khora