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Celestial Radio

Conceived in collaboration with Neil Bromwich of University of Newcastle, Celestial Radio experiments with the parameters of public art and socially engaged fine art practice, drawing on the specificity of site and context, while inviting audiences to envisage alternative ways of addressing place.

Celestial Radio is both rooted in place and, at the same time remote. A mirror tiled yacht, the ‘Celeste’ sails from place to place, carrying on board a radio station transmitting sound remotely. However, the oral histories, music and writing it is broadcasting have been gathered from the place to which they are broadcast, and the signal can only be picked up by following the Celeste, walking along the shore with an FM headset, as she sails past.

Celestial Radio (1) was commissioned for “Coast” a programme of temporary public commissions re-visioning the Essex coastline. Celestial Radio (2) was commissioned by invitation from directors of the following institutions MCA Sydney, Turner Contemporary Margate, Atlas Arts Skye and Musrara Festival Jerusalem and by the curator of Thessaloniki Biennale of Contemporary Art. It has been funded by Arts Council England, Greek State Museum of Contemporary Art, The Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Folkestone Triennial, British Council, European Cultural Foundation, Creative Scotland

The project has been discussed by Laura McLean-Ferris (ArtReview Oct 08) Gabriela Salgado, Curator of Public Programmes Tate Modern (Biennale:2 Catalogue; ISBN: 9789609409001). Walker & Bromwich Monograph (John Hansard Gallery, ISBN 9780854328642) Essays by JJ Charlesworth, Sally O’Reilly.

Celestial Radio was launched in 2008 as part of the Folkestone Triennial, commissioned by, Turner Contemporary Margate. It has since sailed the Regent’s Canal in London, as part of the ‘Breakfast of Champions’ (2009), with the Thessaloniki Biennale (2009), ATLAS Arts, Skye (2011), the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney (March 2012), and the Musrara Mix Festival Jerusalem (2012).