Just back from London where we hosted the Singing Compost workshop at the Centre for Art and Ecology, Goldsmiths University. The workshop was an occasion for discussions on soil related art practices and hands-on experimentation in soil microbiology inspired by a citizen-science approach.

 

 

Day 1 started with presentations by myself with an update on the Singing Compost artworks, Anno Colin on Ecocentric functional artworks, Harun Morrison on translation aspects of the Singing Compost, Ros Gray on the social life of soil, Urte Januseviciute on her work with deep underground organisms and dreams, Melissa Thompson on microscopy techniques for soil health monitoring, Louie Destouches on DIY soil microbiology. The afternoon was dedicated to soil bacteria culture and observation in the Centre’s DIY bio lab.

 

 

On Day 2 Jack Hannam gave us an historical update on UK soil census and current related issues, followed by continuation of lab activities. In the afternoon we discussed intentions and directions following on the original Singing Compost artwork, with a focus on funding sources for further events and publications.

 

 

The workshop, funded by the Learned Society of Wales with support from Cardiff School of Art and Design, was attended by members of the Centre for Art and Ecology centre and students from Goldsmiths’ Art and Ecology MA and Curation MA.