Vibe³ (Vibe Cube) is a sound installation incorporating collected, donated, and archived sounds that express the “spirit of place” of the area where it is installed.
For this version of the project, residents of Southend and it's Borough were invited to submit both recordings and ideas for recordings which reflect the history, character, and the unique feel of their area – anything from wildlife to nightlife. One hundred and fifty collected and donated sounds from the Southend Borough were incorporated into the new mix, ranging from the Pier Train and rare breeds farm, to a bee on Two Tree Island and a Lancaster Bomber flying over St.Vincents Road, which can all be experienced by 'hearsound' and 'feelsound'.
Exhibited at CoExist Gallery at TAP, in July 2010, the Vibe Cube was not just a sound experience; using an innovative form of technology, it becomes a resonating instrument where sounds can be experienced by touch as well as heard. (Thanks to Niki Cornish for images)
How do I donate a sound, or suggestion?
Donations for the Southend mix of Vibe Cube are now closed. Thanks for all your contributions and we hope you'll be along to see/hear the work at TAP between 1st - 23rd July. After the exhibition closes, we will make some extracts from the mix available via our websites; come back for a listen.
How are the sounds used?
The sounds and recordings were transformed into a sound-based artwork; as well as the public submissions, the artists collected new sounds found around the town as well as drawing on their personal archives. At the end of the project we will donate all the recordings we have collected to the Archive Essex Sound Archive, where it will help to form a more detailed historical picture of our county, what it is like now and how it is changing.
What sounds were recorded or donated?
View Vibe Cube Southend in a larger map
Come and see the Vibe Cube
The Vibe Cube was exhibited at the CoExist Gallery at TAP, North Road, Southend, 2-23 July
Open Space
The Cube was originally part of the Genius Loci 'Open Space' programme. Developed and funded by Essex County Council, Genius Loci is a major three year public art project involving a total of fourteen art projects that develop notions of ‘spirit of place’ across the county. ‘Genius Loci’ has two main goals: to involve artists in the design teams on capital projects; and to establish new dialogue about public art with a focus on sustainability. This, it is proposed, will help improve the image of Essex as an exciting and vibrant place to live.
