Imagine you can capture with a net the cloud of voices and sound that rise from a space, floating in the air we breathe.

What would we hear?

Part of the Heritage Funded Lottery project 'This Land' this podcast explores the solaces and the tensions of living at the end of a landscape that supports ancient land laws, biodiversity, and an increased population?

As part of b-side festival 2022 artist and keen climber Penny Newell created 'Poetry Ledge' – an experiment to bring poetry and climbing together, inspired by the world-famous rock-climbing venues of Portland, the sea cliffs and quarry walls, and the surrounding landscape and culture.

Guided by a qualified climbing instructor, festival visitors were invited to abseil down to Penny to join her on a Portaledge: a secure rock climbers platform, to experience Portland from a new vantage point and take part in a vertical one to one poetry workshop guided by Penny to produce new writing about the experience.

Recorded live on the rock face this recording includes the poems of 18 participants.

Running order: Annie, Rob, James, Jane, Charlotte, Tash, Paris, Ben, Alessia, Scott, Josie, Angel, Danny, Abby, Ian, Marion, Joshua, Clarissa.

Click HERE for more info.

Created by audio artist Jo Tyler, this podcast tells the stories of the objects or people celebrated on the souvenirs.

Over 200 people took part in the project, bringing along a special something or someone to be photographed to create a unique collection of souvenir ceramics. 

You can find out more about the project and see the souvenirs here.

Portland is not all common land. This final episode explores the tensions of protest and containment as the island approaches winter; where common land law and climate change clash through the very personal experience of one islander whose connection to Portland has led to defending its natural habitat.

Hear the more reflective tones of winter in the soundscape and where this journey ends at the very tip of the island via the plateau of East Weares. Expect disclosure and some personalised views but also information on the rich natural discoveries to be made.

With special thanks to Ian Baird for sharing his own journey and the collective who work so hard for Portland 4 The Planet and Jurassic Coast against Incineration.

Produced by soniche productions for b-side festival. 

Music from b-side festival live accompaniment to Sea and Stone installation at Portland Museum 12th September 2021. Pianist : Julie Lewis

Hefting 

Common Land law states that hefting was a process of moving herds to other spaces. Presenting the island captured over the weekend during b-side Festival on 9th-12th September 2020, this episode continues to explore Portland, tentatively stepping out of our contained spaces through listening to extraordinary, serendipitous moments of connection to our sound environment. Hear the continuing journey to find unique spaces in sound led by the islander artists and a touch of the historic arts culture that has inspired many.

Guided by visiting sound expert Dr Maike Helmers and artist Ramzi Maqdizi you are also encouraged to listen deeply as sound resonates and touches us all.

Produced by soniche productions for b-side festival

Tithing

Common land is shared space. This episode re-shares Portland with the world both inspired by the unique quality of the sound experience on the island and the space it occupies. Framed by tradition and terms specific to the land, these podcasts will be the conduit for this, an audio journey of sounds and voices merged from all aspects of the island.

This episode is an audio snapshot of summer days in the expectation of events to come, re-connection and considering the tasks ahead. Getting invaluable guidance from residents towards an exploration of Portland’s less-visited spaces.

Every sound you hear in this series is harvested from Portland – sequenced, remixed to present a unique audio tithe.

Produced by soniche productions for b-side festival