Throughout the recent period of covid 19 inflicted lockdown, people have sought outdoor spaces such as woods, waterways, meadows and nature reserves as a way to cope with the strains and pressures that being away from friends and family has put on their well-being and mental health.
Now is the time to celebrate the natural environments of Chelmsford and suggest ways in which we can bring nature back into our future towns and cities in a way that is sustainable for all creatures. Developing an eco-system that will allow humans and nature to live side by side in a symbiotic relationship.
In response, Resonance, an arts collective based in Chelmsford is launching ‘Wilding Chelmsford’ a collaborative sound and visual installation to provoke thinking about Chelmsford and what it could become.
VIDEO HERE
Director Andrew Wright explains…” I see Rewilding Chelmsford as a creative opportunity to bring the balance back to our natural world and give my daughter the best chance of a future.”
Andrew’s artistic collaborator, Chris Adam adds… “We are transforming an empty retail unit into an indoor garden playing host to an audio – visual installation. The audio part will be an improvised piece composed live using modular and hardware synths making use of the cutting-edge technology of quadraphonic surround sound to create a truly immersive experience. Alongside this will be visuals taking images from the Chelmsford City Events Photo Competition in conjunction with computer generated art. Bringing a sense of calm to a busy shopping centre and provoking conversations about how our lives, driven by consumption, are damaging the place we call home. Visitors will leave feeling relaxed and with a new found energy to help build a better future…”
Resonance will be collaborating with local artist Elspeth Manders who will be painting two murals to enhance the feeling of being within nature and many local poets and creative writers who will lend their voices and thoughts including…
- Essex Steamettes
- Katie Deverell
- Linda Middleton
- Rebecca Hughes
- Shane Ibbs
Wilding Chelmsford is funded by Chelmsford County Council and is part of their new Future City Programme and Essex 2020 Year of Science & Creativity
Music will be performed live by:
- Andrew Wright
- Chris Adam
In partnership with:
- Black Chapel
- Chelmsford Community Radio
- Essex Book Festival
- Meadows Shopping Centre
- Spotlight Sound
- Writtle Agricultural College
A free event, Wilding Chelmsford, is open to all ages. Covid 19 safety measures will be in place.
Please ensure you are wearing a mask at all times, unless you are exempt, when inside the installation and respect everyone’s space.
For more information and event updates visit the event page on facebook
