An expanded field-based creative exploration with composer James Weeks

11 & 18 September | 2^nd, 9^th and 16^th October| Flass Vale, Durham (5-week programme)
10:00am – 12:00 noon | Free programme

This five-week programme offers an immersive exploration of creative responses to natural sound, set within the unique landscape of Flass Vale, Durham.

Sound is all around us. When we learn to listen deeply, it opens up a rich world of creative possibility. Composer James Weeks works through embodied environmental listening, transforming field experience into diverse musical and sonic forms — from sonic meadows and soundscape collage to human wind-farms and other collective sound experiments.

You can explore his practice here: www.composingecology.com

Sessions take place on Friday 11^th and 18^th September and 2nd, 9th and 16th October, from 10:00am to 12:00 noon.

Led by James Weeks, the programme is designed for artists, creative practitioners, and anyone interested in sound, place, and experimental approaches to creative practice. It also offers an opportunity for those wishing to connect environmental listening with their own work or develop new directions in their practice.

No musical experience is necessary — this is a space for creative exploration in all forms. If you do have musical experience, you are welcome to bring an instrument, though voice and listening will be central. James is an experienced composer and musical animateur and will guide the group through activities in an inclusive and supportive way.

Across the five sessions, participants will engage in field-based listening, sound recording, and creative response techniques. Whilst attendance at every session is not required, allowing flexibility around other commitments, we do ask that you attend at least 3 of the sessions.

The programme will culminate in the development and sharing of performance or exhibition-based work, created individually and collaboratively over the course of the sessions. Selected work may be recorded and presented in a final sharing event.

This is a supportive and exploratory space for experimentation, reflection, and creative development, open to participants from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines.

The programme is free to take part in, and participation in the June taster session is encouraged but not essential.

This programme is part of Wild Imagining, a PLACE Lab initiative inviting communities across Durham City and surrounding villages to reimagine their connection with local green spaces through art, culture, and collective creativity. From parks and river paths to allotments and natural landmarks, Wild Imagining is where creativity meets community, and shared ideas take root in the landscapes we call home.

This project is brought to you by Creativity Works with funding from Into the Light and Durham University.