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 the wider 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 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'.
Now It Feels As It Should Be 2 Jul 2010 – 23 Jul 2010
Exhibited at TAP, 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 were 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.
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 were able to see/hear the work at TAP.
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.