'Site & Sound: Sonic art as ecological practice' invites audiences to consider the importance of listening as a means towards a better understanding of the urgent and complex environmental issues facing our planet. Whether it be the roar of bushfires; the creak of fragmenting glaciers; silence where there used to be bird song; or the hum of cicadas, our comprehension of sounds can lead to an intuitive understanding of the ecological issues confronting us. Curated by Jon Buckingham, Lawrence Harvey, and Simon Lawrie, Site & Sound surveys diverse practices to reveal the connections between deep listening, field recording, acoustic ecology, natural science, and spatialised sound in contemporary art. The exhibition draws from RMIT’s Sonic Arts Collection, Australia’s first dedicated collection in this field, augmented by four significant new commissions. It features an evolving program of presentations, both within and beyond the gallery, across the internal spaces and outdoor environment of McClelland—these include immersive sound environments, a rich array of performances and listening events, and explorations of the history, theory and significance of field recording and sonic art which will evolve over time and provide new experiences for each repeat visit. Site & Sound is presented in partnership with RMIT Culture and SIAL Sound Studios (RMIT), with generous support from Creative Victoria, The Besen Family Foundation, Yamaha Music Australia, and Selby Acoustics.
In this catalogue essay, Dr Leah Barclay explores how acoustic ecology continues to expand across Australia with increased engagement across the arts and sciences. There is a rapid increase in scientific studies using sound to monitor the health of the environment and the accessibility of non-invasive recording technologies means community engagement and citizen science is now more viable nationally. Recent research also demonstrates the interdisciplinary possibilities of acoustic ecology in contributing to health and wellbeing and the critical importance of sound in our natural and urban environments. Ecological sound artists across Australia continue to play a significant role in drawing a wider attention and awareness to our sonic environments through installations, performances and collaborative projects. Sound artists drawing on environmental field recordings have an unprecedented opportunity to reveal changes in ecosystems that are often hidden or ignored. The Australian Forum for Acoustic Ecology recognises the value and possibilities of ecological sound art in addressing some of the most critical issues of our time and will continue to support interdisciplinary collaborations between artists, scientists and communities to move towards planetary regeneration and environmental engagement through sound.