Community radio represents place, diversity, inclusivity, independence, and a grass roots/DIY ethos. Among other things, it can connect people, disseminate information, champion local arts, and be a platform for underrepresented or alternative voices. But what is the function and format of community radio in view of the ever-increasing globalisation and digitalisation of the media? How can we play with the plasticity of the radio format to explore the social, symbolic and material spaces of broadcast? How can an historical place like the New Forest be present in (and benefit from) developing new and creative forms for community radio?
These questions are explored by West Australian sound artists Em Burrows and Jeremy Segal in their work New Forest Collage Radio.
Burrows and Segal carried out the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) Artist Residency at spudWORKS in October 2024. During the residency they recorded sounds from the New Forest community (including songs, stories, spoken word, poetry and interviews) on location in the forest, facilitating a participatory process with a focus on creating an environment for exchange.
New Forest Collage Radio will be presented as an installation at spudWORKS in May, taking the form of a spatial radio station within the gallery that visitors can explore using handheld radios. Burrows and Segal will also collate 4 programs to broadcast on The Tower during the month of May.
MORE ON THE ARTISTS
Jeremy Segal is an artist, musician and audio engineer. His work ranges from multi channel sound installations and generative media to indie rock and electronic music. He presents an exploratory monthly radio show on 90mil Radio Berlin called Soundplant Data Mind. Jeremy is currently undertaking a Master of Sound Studies and Sonic Arts at Universität der Künste Berlin.
Em Burrows makes contemporary new wave/electronic music under the name ‘Web Rumors’. Her 2024 album ‘Travelling Circuits’ explores traditional British folk song material. Em has been a radio broadcaster for over 10 years and currently presents a monthly folk-influenced show on Tempelhofer Feld Radio Berlin.
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