an interdisiplinary project bringing together artists, scientists and community members at Calperum Station in SA’s riverland.

Biosphere Soundscapes is a large-scale interdisciplinary research project underpinned by the creative possibilities of acoustic ecology and rapidly emerging fields of biology exploring environmental patterns and changes through sound. Acoustic ecology is a field of inquiry concerned with the ecological, social and cultural contexts of our sonic environments. This project is designed to inspire communities across the world to listen to the environment and explore the value of sound as a measure for environmental health in UNESCO biosphere reserves. The project is delivered through immersive residencies with artists and scientists, research laboratories, intensive masterclasses and a diversity of creative projects spanning four continents. 

Funded by a Country Arts SA Step-Up grant and supported by the Australian Forum for Acoustic Ecology and the Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Network, the Riverland Biosphere Soundscape Lab took place between May 24-26 2019 at Calperum Station in SA’s Riverland. Led by SA interdisciplinary composer and sound artist Jesse Budel, participants took part in a variety of activities across the weekend, including field recording, creative work listening sessions, expert presentations, and group discussions, immersed themselves in artistic, scientific and cultural perspectives on the acoustic ecology of the Riverland Biosphere Soundscape Lab.