Location-based auditory storytelling workshop (Harrogate)

This workshop is part of the Extending XR programme, funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and is open to adult residents in York and North Yorkshire.

About this event

Developing skills in geolocated audio (where digital sound is linked to specific geographic coordinates) can open up possibilities across various creative practices, including interactive storytelling, heritage exhibition, and site-based theatre.

At this in-person introductory workshop, you’ll learn how to place sounds in real world locations, guide a listener through the experience, and assign distance and direction for an immersive soundwalk.

You’ll use your own recordings, made on widely available devices such as phones, and pre-existing audio to generate a unique soundwalk. At the end of the workshop, you’ll share your soundwalk with the group and experience soundwalks created by fellow participants by tracking your real world location on a mobile device with headphones.

Please note that you’ll need to bring your own mobile phone with access to mobile data. It would also be beneficial to create an account on the Echoes.xyz platform, with the ECHOES interactive soundwalks app downloaded onto your device. Echoes is compatible on most iOS and Android devices. If you would like to attend this workshop but cannot bring your own device, please contact us at [email protected].

What you will learn

• Spatial audio design: How to assign spatial properties in real-world locations for effective immersion using the free Echoes.xyz platform.
• Field recording: How to use widely accessible devices to capture sounds and exploring options for pre-existing audio.
• Audio editing: How to use Audacity (a free app to record and edit audio) to edit and clean recordings.
• Collaborative playback: Sharing and testing the recording by tracking the real-world location on a mobile device with headphones.

Who is this for?

This workshop is ideal for creatives, technologists, students, and industry professionals interested in creating their own geolocated audio story experiences. No previous experience of sound design is necessary and the session is built to be a beginner-friendly introduction to the technology.

Accessibility

The Mercer Art Gallery wheelchair accessible with step-free access via the side entrance and an accessible bathroom on the ground floor, where the workshop will take place. Please provide information about any specific access requirements during sign up.

Travel expenses

Eligible participants (i.e. those who live in York and North Yorkshire) can claim back the cost of travel to and from the workshop. Please read the Extending XR travel expenses policy for more information about how to make a claim.

Booking info

Cost: Free

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