Sonic Storytelling is the first session in our Open Space programme — a four-part creative series exploring field recording, sound culture and audio storytelling. 

In this workshop, we’ll explore how sound can tell stories. Together, we’ll listen closely to the environment around us, capture sounds on location, and experiment with turning those recordings into soundscapes, radio ideas and audio narratives. 

This session is a chance to get creative with sound in a relaxed and supportive space. You do not need any previous experience — just curiosity and an interest in sound, music, storytelling or trying something new. 

What we’ll do 

• explore the basics of field recording 

• think about how sound can create mood, memory and story 

• capture sounds around Hartcliffe City Farm 

• experiment with building short soundscapes and radio pieces 

• work together in a creative group setting 

• hear from artists and facilitators working across sound, radio and music 

Why take part? 

• learn new creative audio skills 

• build confidence using recording equipment 

• explore storytelling in a different way 

• meet other young people interested in sound and music 

• support your mental health through creative activity  

• take part in a creative workshop in a supportive environment 

Capturing Sounds for Production is the second workshop in the Open Space programme. 

This session explores how everyday sounds can become part of music-making and audio production. Participants will learn how to record unique sounds and experiment with how they can be shaped, edited and used creatively. 

Whether you’re interested in music production, sound design or simply want to hear the world differently, this workshop offers a chance to explore sound in a practical and hands-on way. 

What we’ll do 

• learn simple field recording techniques 

• capture interesting sounds from the surrounding environment 

• think about texture, rhythm and atmosphere in sound 

• explore how recordings can be used in music production 

• experiment creatively with recorded material 

• build confidence using equipment and listening in new ways 

Why take part? 

• learn how sound can be used in production 

• develop creative listening skills 

• try out recording equipment 

• explore music and audio in a new way 

• support your mental health through creative activity 

• meet other young creatives 

Deep Listening & Sound Walk is the third workshop in the Open Space programme. 

This session focuses on listening closely to the environment and thinking about how sound shapes our experience of place. Guided by Unit 8 Studios, participants will take part in a sound walk through Leigh Woods and explore ideas around deep listening, acoustic ecology and environmental sound. 

This is a reflective, creative and practical session that invites participants to slow down, tune in and explore sound in a new way. 

What we’ll do: 

• take part in a guided sound walk 

• explore ideas around deep listening 

• pay attention to sound in the natural environment 

• reflect on how place, movement and sound connect 

• capture and discuss sounds in a group setting 

• develop creative and critical listening skills 

Why take part? 

• experience sound and listening differently 

• spend time outdoors in a creative setting 

• explore sound, place and environment 

• build confidence through group creative activity 

• support your mental health through creative activity 

• meet other young people interested in sound and culture 

Performing with Field Recordings is the final workshop in the Open Space programme. 

In this session, participants will experiment with using collected and created sounds in a live, creative way. We’ll explore audio collage, arrangement, playback and performance, and think about how field recordings can become the basis for new creative work. 

This session is a chance to bring together ideas from across the programme and try out new ways of shaping and sharing sound. 

What we’ll do: 

• work creatively with recorded sounds 

• experiment with audio collage and arrangement 

• explore simple approaches to live sound performance 

• shape recordings into new pieces 

• reflect on what they’ve explored across Open Space 

• share ideas in a supportive group setting 

Why take part? 

• develop confidence using sound creatively 

• explore performance and live audio ideas 

• build on skills from earlier workshops 

• try something experimental in a supportive setting 

• support your mental health through creative activity 

• meet other young creatives