Call out to be part of Berwick sound artwork in 2026
Have you had a transcendent moment?
In Berwick-upon-Tweed, where extraordinary things happen in the arts, they’re looking ahead and asking all-comers: “Would you like to be part of an exciting SoundScape planned for 2026?”
The aim is to record people from Berwick and the surrounding villages talking about contemporary spiritual life.
It’s another chance for people to participate, as they did with Berwick Parade, Matthew Rosier’s projection artwork which drew big crowds to Berwick Barracks earlier this year.
The artist behind this new project is Gareth Hudson who will be working with his frequent collaborator, sound recordist Toby Thirling, to create this aural artwork scheduled to go public early next year.
They have done this sort of thing before, and Hudson, originally from Bishop Auckland, has made it a specialist area of study for many years.
Last year their sound installation Peace Amongst Thorns could be heard on the concourse at Middlesbrough Station, part of a project initiated by art organisation Navigator North.
It was inspired by the town’s early days as a monastic cell.
The pair made recordings of the monks of Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire, professional musicians and Middlesbrough’s Open Orchestra and Community Choir.
It played in accordance with the Liturgy of the Hours, a form of Christian prayer marking the rhythm of each day – although the piece was intended to address Middlesbrough’s history rather than a particular religion.
Gareth talked about it on a video made about the Most Creative Station project in Middlesbrough.
Ten years ago, when he was studying for a PhD at Newcastle University and exploring transcendent experiences through video art technology, Gareth exhibited a stunning piece at the Globe Gallery, situated beneath Newcastle’s now demolished Commercial Union House.
It was an installation called Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt and it moved some viewers to tears.
“I went round doing field recordings in the Himalayas and across Japan and at various other locations, trying to find those rare moments when you are able to think more deeply and clearly,” he told me.
People stood mesmerised before a screen seemingly positioned at the end of a tunnel of light while listening to recordings which included chanting Buddhist monks and American author Maurice Sendak discussing old age.
Back then Gareth said he had been baptised a Methodist, brought up in the Church of England and attended a Catholic school… but was an agnostic.
“I’m more interested in how people acquire religion,” he said.
And speaking of those moved to shed a tear at that Newcastle installation, he smiled and said: “I just give them a big hug.”
To explain more about the Berwick project, Gareth will be present at a series of 30 minute sessions at Berwick Barracks from Monday, August 4 until Wednesday, August 6.
Billed as Gareth Hudson: In Conversation about Spirituality in Berwick, the sessions are free but must be booked via The Maltings in Berwick.
And they suggest: “You may wish to talk about the enduring strength of your church group as family.
“You could have felt something stir while watching the waves crash against the walls.
“Perhaps you have a story or tradition connected to local religious history? You may even have qualms with religious life or have very specific unorthodox spiritual beliefs.
“Whatever your experience, we would like to invite you to have a chat and be heard by the artist and have your voice recorded for an artwork.”
Anyone requiring more information in advance, can email Liz Hardy at liz.hardy@maltingsberwick.co.uk.