Jessica Beechey

Thesis title

Sound Art and the Dark Sound Ecologies of the Cornish Underground 

Abstract

Can the dialogue between sound art and Cornish subterranean heritage sites articulate and empower marginalised Cornish communities?  

Subject Area, Aims and Objectives 

This research integrates sound, heritage, and cultural studies to examine Cornish identity and the political agency of marginalised communities. Using sound art installations, performances, and deep listening, it connects mining sites and fogous with myths, folklore, and histories. The project critiques dominant white cis-male perspectives in heritage, amplifying voices of marginalised groups, including ethnic minorities, refugees, gender minorities, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. 

Objectives: 

• Create site-specific sound art addressing social injustices in Cornish subterranean spaces. 
• Engage marginalised groups to challenge inclusion barriers and reframe Cornish identity. 
• Promote the Cornish language and critique extractive capitalism’s cultural and environmental impacts. 
• Utilise “dark sound ecologies” to uncover silenced perspectives and address discrimination in heritage narratives. 

Research Contexts 

Cornwall’s mining industry was pivotal to the industrial revolution but relied on exploited labour, often marginalising women, children, and Cornish speakers. Fogous, shrouded in mythology, symbolise Cornwall’s enigmatic subterranean heritage. This research reclaims these spaces to address overlooked histories, environmental harm, and socio-political inequities. 

The theoretical framework draws on sound art and acoustemology to reclaim heritage spaces for marginalised voices, challenging visual biases in heritage representation.  

Inspired by artists Leah Barclay, D Ferrett, and Linda O'Keeffe, the project promotes cultural resilience and inclusivity. 

Methodology 

Using Participatory Action Research (PAR), communities will co-create sound art through workshops, soundwalks, and deep listening. Collaborations with existing local groups will shape research outputs. Reflective practices, including journals, focus groups, and surveys, will evaluate inclusivity and empowerment. Deep listening techniques, inspired by Pauline Oliveros, will explore soundscapes, fostering sensory and cultural connections. 

Outputs will include performances, installations, and a written commentary assessing the project’s impact on cultural resilience, community empowerment, and Cornish identity.