Sanctuary, a unique public art event, is taking place in the stunning landscape of the Galloway Forest Dark Skies Park on 26 September. It’s an outdoor laboratory experimenting with new ways of using technology to explore darkness, light and place.

Enclosure by Mike Bolam

The Galloway Dark Skies Park is a specially designated area that is low in light pollution and Sanctuary, now in its second year, takes place within the park. Remote, beautiful and mostly ‘electronically dark’, the event is a sanctuary from both light pollution and worldwide connectedness.

Dozens of artists are taking part in creating this 24-hour temporary alternative reality. The work includes installations and site specific interventions, radio broadcasts, voice works, experimental sound and video works, performance, lectures and a live mix of rare 78s.

Co-Curator Jo Hodges says “Sanctuary is a temporary escape into both electronic and optical darkness, a place where artists take control of technology and use it in experimental and creative ways.”

Entropy Lure by Graham Rooney

Broken20 by David Coyle

Sanctuary’s ethos is about interactivity and experimentation with works including: Entropy Lure by scientist Graham Rooney and video artist John Wallace which uses thermographic cameras to capture every visitor’s unique heat signature; Nightlight-2 sees artists Carrie Godsiff and Johannes Meyer of Unicorn Diagram setup a shadow catcher; Dark Outside FM is a site specific radio station curated by Stuart McLean (aka Frenchbloke) broadcasting previously unheard sound donated from all round the world; Eternal Silence by Jamie Clements and Nick Millar will use a light to beam people’s final messages to the universe; Enclosure, the event’s signature 100ft circular blue neon light installation, by co-curator Robbie Coleman which last year attracted hundreds of bats. There will be a Sonic Walk to the installation with bat detectors.

Not to be missed will be a talk on the subversive use of modern creative technology, and a marathon 10 hour curated programme of performances, workshops, screenings and improvisations by Glasgow based collective Broken20. It is worth the trip alone to see how much diverse and experimental material a group of individuals can extricate from the relatively open brief of exploring light and dark.

The Dark Outside HQ by Mike Bolam

Sanctuary is free with camping available. A food stall will be in place on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Bring a torch and a radio.

Full details of the event, artists and performers are available from the website.

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