The Listening Station is a project based in the Perranporth Youth Hostel on the coast of North Cornwall, devised by Alex Goodman. In November 2018 the building’s doors are opening to artists for a three day residency based around the theme of experimental exchange.

The project was created in response to the YHA building’s previous use as a listening station for experimental activity during the cold war using underwater microphones placed ten miles out to sea and routed back to the hostel for monitoring.

In previous years artists and guests to the YHA recorded their experiences, field recordings and psychogeographical observations to creating sonic portraits of the site. These will be presented as an audio installation in one of the dorm rooms of the building for one day during the residency and will be open for the public and resident artists to experience.

The Listening Station residency #3 will be a space to explore the area and spend time with other artists. Emphasis will be based on exchange of experimental practice. This could be in the form of a skill share, a conversation or the cooking a dish for the group which you’ve never made before.

In the past participants of the Listening Station have proposed activity around stargazing, DIY hydrophone building, foraging, searching for saints in the sand dunes and listening to the history of theatres echoes at Perran Round. What might you be able to bring to the group? A song, a dance, a drawing activity, an improvisation, a skill share?

The format for the three days will be as follows:

16/11 Friday Check in from 4pm & Communal meal at 7.30

17/11 Saturday Free time to explore local area. Installation in Dorm room 2 open to the public 1-8pm. More info Here

18/11 Sunday Day of experimental exchanges, skill shares, activities proposed by artists.

19/11 Monday Check out by 11am

This is an unfunded project created to give artists access to the Listening Station building. It aims to facilitate a site of experimentation and encourage collaboration, in order to create and strengthen a network of those interested in responding to, and creating for, site.

To take part in the Listening Station #3 please send up to three sentences explaining what you would like share with the group around the theme of experimental exchange.

On confirmation you will be asked to make a payment of £10.

The deadline for applying to the Listening Station #3 is October 31st 2018.

The Hostel

The hostel comprises of two 8 bed dorms but only one will be available during the residency and two small family/private rooms of 2 beds. All beds are bunk beds and dorms will be mixed male and female. There is a kitchen, three showers and three loos. It has the best view of Perranporth beach in all tides and weathers possible and has its own goat track down to the sea from outside the door. It is also positioned directly on the South-West Coast path. We have limited parking but you can drive up to drop things off and park nearby.

Food

The only meal provided will be the first communal meal on Friday at 7.30pm. Please mention any allergens or dietary requirements on confirmation of your place. It is encouraged for artists to cook and eat together but everyone must contribute. Artists are expected to be responsible for their own meals during the residency. There is a small supermarket in the town in walking distance.

Transport

Artists must provide their own transport to and from the hostel. There is a bus route to Perranporth from Truro, where there is a train station.

Skill shares

All materials for skill shares / experimental exchanges must be provided by the artist

The Listening Station Open Doors Event Saturday 17th November 1—8pm 

The material generated as part of the first two residencies will be installed in the building for an open day to the general public on the Saturday. Artists are welcome to stay in the building during this time but must be aware that the communal areas and one dorm room will be open to the public in order for them to experience the installation.

Entrance to the public will be pay-what-you-can (£5 recommended donation). Resident artists are encouraged to attend, but you are not expected to donate.