An exploration of Bristol through sound

A series of podcasts from creative charity Bricks is bringing together people, communities and places in Bristol.

Supported by Arts Council England emergency response funding, Bricks, a charity supporting local creatives and social enterprise communities, has commissioned six artists to explore ideas through sound.

The six artists are part of Bricks Artist Programme, which was developed to meet the needs of artists affected during the Covid-19 and tackles wider systemic issues in the art scene.

Each of the six episodes sees artists reflect on their practice, creativity and life in the South West.

Ben Hartley, whose podcast episode looks at regeneration and gentrification in Bedminster, normally works with sculpture to document urban geography.

“Creating the podcast was really fun to do,” says the artist, who had a studio in the area prior to the pandemic. “By creating a sonic space using field recordings, people could imagine themselves in a certain space. It’s a way to access an artistic space during pandemic.”

Ben’s episode, which is the fourth in Bricks’ series, also looks at gentrification around East Street and how artists fit into that changing environment.

Ben’s episode looks at Bedminster Green and the gentrification of the area. Photo: Qezz Gill

The six featured artists bridge the gap between the social and the artistic, placing community at the forefront of the conversation.

“Bricks’ podcasts are about giving artists an opportunity to deep dive in to a subject that connects life, creativity and their perspective of the world and to connect audiences with that thinking,” says Bricks director Jack Gibbon.

“At a time when we are all reflecting on life and society it seemed a good moment to hear from some artists on their thinking.

“Personally, now I am spending so much time in the same four walls and looking at a screen, I love the podcast format to be transported to another space.”

Cliff Andrade, another artist at Bricks whose work explores what identity is and why people perceive things in the way they do, has also created an episode for the series.

Bristoler Chronik focuses on the mental process of walking and how they headspace created by movement allows the individual to “seamlessly move through different thoughts”.

“I often go for long walks, and I find the physical act of walking occupies the part of my brain which would otherwise censure me, allowing ideas and thoughts to move freely,” says Cliff. Photo: Cliff Andrade

“I try to raise voices and tell stories through whatever medium I’m using,” says Cliff. “This piece is about memory, identity and place, all told through the urban setting of Bristol.”

At a time when many artists have seen their income reduced and exhibitions cancelled, the Bricks Podcast is supporting artists in sharing their perspectives, while investigating what community and creativity means in a city such as Bristol.

“Through the podcast you can take 30 minutes out of your life to be guided through a topic by an artist and their collaborators,” Jack adds.

“It gives a different, possibly more intimate, insight into a subject where you can hear from people through their own words and voice.”

Main photo: Qezz Gill

Read more: Charity launches support programme for Bristol artists