Centre for Contemporary Art at the University of Brighton
Brighton CCA was a centre for contemporary arts based at the University of Brighton, operating between 2019 until its closure in 2023. It was free and open to all, hosting exhibitions, projects, commissions and research by international emerging and established artists. Located in the art school, its focus was on supporting the development of artists’ practice and practice based-research; nurturing cross disciplinary dialogue and placing the resources of the University at the disposal of artists and audiences.
CCA utilised existing university spaces; four galleries (the Grand Parade North and South galleries, GP Atrium, Dorset Place) and the Sallis Benney Theatre. Brighton CCA became a site for experimentation and collaboration, building relationships with partners and audiences locally, nationally and globally. It promotes the values of practical research, learning through making and creating a democratic space for culture.
Over the last two decades, the spaces at university of Brighton have hosted sound art works and studies. Brighton CCA was a short-lived but influencial period of its history.
Brighton CCA: Sound Art Highlights
Christian Marclay: Looking for Love
University of Brighton Gallery • March 2017
A single-screen video projection following the needle of a record player searching the groves for the words ‘love’. Part of Cinecity Festival 2017.
Zimoun: Sound in Motion
University of Brighton Gallery • May 2014
Sound in Motion presented two mechanical sound installations 250 Prepared DC-motors, Filler Wire 1.0mm and 80 Prepared DC-motors, Cardboard boxes based on the principle of analogue sound granulation. Part of Brighton Festival 2014.
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The Sound of Shadows: Peter Vogel Retrospective
University of Brighton Gallery • October–November 2011
The retrospective presented cybernetic sound sculptures by German sound art pioneer Peter Vogel, made from integrated responsive networks of electronic components, activated via photocells through the shadows of the interacting audience.
Bernhard Leitner: EarSpaceBodySound
Sallis Benney Theatre • April 2011
Renowned Austrian sound art pioneer Bernhard Leitner reflected on his 50-years long practice in the field of Sound Art and Sound Architecture. Part of the DMSA SoundTalk series.
Charlie Hooker: RUB-A-DUB/WAVE-WALL III
University of Brighton Gallery • May 2004
A two-part exhibition featuring: RUB-A-DUB – sculptures, prints and audioworks derived from data linked to current scientific thinking about chaotic systems, unpredictability and natural phenomena. Many of the works emit sounds, and these blend to produce a sound installation, that changes as the viewer walks through it. The audio installation WAVE-WALL III – three ceiling-to-floor pendula with radio-cassette players at the bottom end. The sound played through them rises and falls in a continuous spatial motion and turns the gallery space into a giant sound chamber. Part of Brighton Festival 2004.
Big Blip ’04 Festival
Sallis Benney Theatre • September 2004
Mike Blow: Stigmergy | Alice Eldridge | Sound Toy