The Lab

SITEWORKS 2010 was anonsite laboratory for artists, environmental scientists and experts from a range of disciplines to collaborate on site-based research, development and production at Bundanon. This culminated in a two-day event THE CONVERSATION that included a Field Day and a Forum.

Siteworks 2010 was led by convenors Michael Cohen, Deborah Ely and Fiona Winning who developed the framing ideas and structure and invited artists and environmental practitioners from a range of disciplines to participate.

Participants were introduced to the Bundanon properties – their physical, botanic, geological and historic dimensions. Written research and historic documents were provided and various guest experts were invited into the Lab to share their knowledge.

Artists Diego Bonetto, Nigel Helyer, r e a, Barbara Campbell, Rayma Johnson, Alex Kershaw, Nick Keys, Heidrun Löhr, Richard Scott Moore, Garth Paine, Robyn Backen, Tess De Quinceyand Peta Strachanworked alongside environmental scientists Tim Cohenand Leah Gibbsand weaver and Landcare activist Jim Wallis.

THE LABORATORY kicked off with an orientation weekend in August where three walks were hosted. Local Indigenous artists Richard Scott-Moore and Cecil McLeod walked participants to the river and shared cultural knowledge about reading country. Sound artist, Nigel Helyer took a blindfolded walk where participants guided each other through the bush listening and notating what they heard. Environmental Economist/Educator Henry Goodall, led an escarpment walk introducing participants to his personal narrative of the Shoalhaven River.

In addition to this, Michael and Tim Cohen did a presentation on TEN TRENCHES, a previous interdisciplinary Siteworks project and each participant introduced their practice to each other in a series of presentations.

In September, Lab participants re-assembled to resume their research and exchange. Various peers were invited to join the Lab to expand the realm of research. This included presentations by: historian Michael Organ; Fluvial Geomorphologist Tim Cohen; Riverflow Scientist Ivars Reinfelds; Agronomist Maarten Stapper; River activist Charlie Weir; Chris Presland from Catchment Management Authority and Aquatic Scientist Pia Winberg.

School students from Bomaderry High were guests of the Lab for a day doing workshops with Lab participants and being introduced to a range of professional approaches to site-based work.

Whilst participant research was self-directed, the Convenors ensured adequate support was provided and that exchange of information was regular and critical. Bundanon staff Regina Heilmann, Richard Montgomery and Henry Goodall with their extensive producing, production management & environmental site knowledge resourced the Lab ensuring participants were supported.

Over the week, various solo and collaborative pieces were researched and developed.  A blog was created and participants prepared to share their research with audiences.