Sound Association (via project lead John Coburn) had funding for two projects through Well Newcastle Gateshead, these were Radio Chopwell and Wavelength.

Summary: Radio Chopwell was an innovative project that brought together a dynamic set of partners to empower the community of Chopwell to collect and share digital sounds that interpreted their lives and community and also create a regular online broadcast and in-person radio event to showcase the work of Chopwell residents.

Award: £7,225

Area: Chopwell

Beneficiaries: 16 older residents living in Chopwell were supported to create and share digital audio recording of their lives. 76 residents from Chopwell participated in the project, sharing stories, songs and sounds, partly in response to the older people’s sounds. 300+ people around the world listened to this collection of sounds, broadcast live at a 7-hour community event. 4 young people were supported to develop audio production skills and sustain the radio programme, and with support from community partners, will work with older residents as part of a legacy programme.

Summary: Wavelength was about creating a community-led sound archive through a diverse series of workshops and events. This community-led sound archive of the village is the first ever historical sound archive of Chopwell.

Award: £8,950

Area: Chopwell

Beneficiaries: 39 Chopwell residents participated in this 6-month sound-based programme exploring place and belonging.