The Art & Ecology recorded stories aims to bring together different ways of thinking about cultural and ecological problems to help broaden our collective understanding and to highlight the interconnectivity of the post-industrial world.
Each piece focuses on broad ecological or social issues and features interviews from a variety of voices, sometimes with very specific knowledge. The aim of the recordings is to make this information interesting and accessible to everyone, so be assured you don’t have to be an expert to listen in. The series is part of Grand Union’s collaborative programme and engages with participants of The Growing Project as well as scientists, artists, and activists, both locally and internationally.
Field Commission talk by Asad Raza, 2022. Image by Tom Harris.
Episode one – Soil
Soil, something we’re all so familiar with yet know little about. This dark brown or black substance holds the secrets to many of nature’s most important processes and houses millions of living organisms which contribute to our lives in a multitude of ways. We discuss Grand Union’s first Field Commission project with artist Asad Raza, hear about ways in which we can start to try and live with the toxic inheritance of the past, the architectural make-up of what’s underground and why it’s important to become custodians and carers of the dirt.
The Art & Ecology recorded stories are a Grand Union production, this piece was produced, edited, and narrated by Matthew Cox with Thanks to Asad Raza, Dr Lesley Batty, Alys Fowler, and Jess Chadwick
Photo by Jenny Staats.
Episode two – Land Justice
Land Justice, a struggle for social, racial, and climate justice that connects us all across the world, from Turtle Island to here in Birmingham. Our previous exhibition, We gather and dream of new congregations by Alberta Whittle interrogates both the historical and present legacies of imperial extraction that built and maintained Birmingham. Across her 18 month long project, Congregation (creating dangerously) Alberta engaged with various methodologies of (re)connecting with the land using gathering, and gardening as a means of resistance to the hostile environment. Our ongoing Growing Project works to heal land injustice in Birmingham, nurturing community gardens for vulnerably-housed people and those experiencing crisis.
The Art & Ecology recorded stories are a Grand Union production. This piece was narrated and co-produced by Zoe Wakeling along side Matthew Cox. With thanks to Helen Knott, Bill Tripp, and Laura Hackett.
The Growing Project Harvest Celebration 2024, Birmingham.
Episode three – The Growing Project Harvest Celebration 2024 Soundscape
At the 2024 Growing Project Harvest Celebration, we recorded guests, participants, and people working on the project, talking about what the day means to them. This piece was recorded and produced by Matt Cox, and features the voices of The Growing Project community.