Teaching Arts-Based Research through Ambisonics (Spatial Audio) Field Recording with Video

Arts-based research is an emerging field within the humanities. As a performative and creative research methodology, it has the potential to challenge traditions, hegemony and engrained colonial tendencies whilst offering novel forms of expression which value imagination, empathy and societal concerns. Through both practice-led research (research leading to new understanding concerning practice) and research-led practice (creative work based on new understanding from research), outputs consist of scholarly articles and artistic projects.The proposal develops methodologies for teaching arts-based research using Ambisonics (spatial audio) field recording in combination with video to investigate the varied soundscape of Hong Kong. Ambisonics is an audio format offering possibilities for the capture, manipulation and reproduction of immersive sound. As a 3D or spherical format, it is the audio equivalent of 360-video, and its recent co-option of into 360-video and VR formats has made the audio technology much more accessible. Field recording – on location rather than studio recording – is an increasingly popular medium for research and creative expression adopted by sound artists as well as ethnographers. In combination, Ambisonics field recording with video represents a novel form of creative media that is engaging and relatable to Generation Z (through the possibilities of 360-video and VR) whilst allowing for embodied listening and viewing experiences based on Hong Kong’s soundscape – defined as our sonic environment and its perception.The grant will support students from the course SM3748 Special Topics in Creative Media in carrying out field work in a variety of locations including their familiar everyday environments, the more hidden corners of Hong Kong and areas associated with under-represented demographic groups, and in creating artistic responses using the media of Ambisonics and video. Due in part to its colonial history and rapid development, huge contrasts in a relatively compact area may be observed in Hong Kong. The range of soundscapes – from idyllic island quietude to urban noise pollution –reflects the variety that is evident, presenting a rich area of study.Through strategic partnerships with arts bodies such as soundpocket, the leading sound art organisation in Hong Kong, as well as scientists researching acoustic environments such as the Hong Kong Institute of Acoustics who recently initiated a sound map of Hong Kong, the project will involve meetings and site visits with professionals from a range of disciplines.The arts-based research projects created as part of the findings will be disseminated through an ongoing internet presence and public outreach initiative such as an exhibition in a socially-engaged arts initiative such as Floating Projects at the JCCAC. The course will also contribute to academic outputs including a conference paper and journal article on teaching arts-based research through Ambisonics field recording and visual media.The proposal stems from the PI’s ongoing research into the creative and critical uses of Ambisonics in Sound Practice. It is a continuation of projects such as “Sonic Topologies: Evaluating and extending the artistic possibilities of soundmaps using Ambisonics (spatial audio) field recordings from Hong Kong” (General Research Fund).