What is nature if you cannot see it? How high is the cedar tree when the eyes cannot climb its boughs? What are the sounds that gather around you in the blue dawn of a summer morning?

There are traditions of thinking about landscapes as seen. We recognise this in landscape paintings and how we stand and “view” nature.

This event invites you into the world of sight impaired collaborators and their experiences of Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in the heart of Sussex and home to the Millennium Seed Bank.

Immerse yourself in a soundscape composition, feel along a tactile forest crafted with foraged nature, and meet the collaborators in a Q+A. You will leave inspired to think and feel differently about ‘nature’.

The event encourages you to engage your non-visual senses in what is a predominantly visual world. Through a composition of sounds and textures, you are invited into a deeper connection with nature and art beyond traditional visual engagement.

We are a group of artists and multidisciplinary researchers collaborating on a project based at the University of Sussex exploring pathways to inclusion in the heritage sector through the arts. This research project is led by Dr Karis Jade Petty, Assistant Professor in Anthropology at the University of Sussex. The soundscape is composed by Chris Sciacca, an American sound artist and practice-based researcher specialising in sonic ethnography and soundscape composition. The diverse landscapes and sounds at Wakehurst provided the setting for this collaborative project.

Important information when booking your ticket:

• When you book, you will be asked to submit your access needs. This event welcomes everybody.


• Please book a ticket for each person attending, including a sighted guide or carer. This is because the event has a maximum capacity.

• If you have specific needs or questions, don't hesitate to contact Fabrica directly via phone (01273 778646) or email ([email protected]).
• Please note that this event has been extended until 7pm.
• To read about Fabrica venue accessibility, please click here
• This is a photographed and filmed event, by booking this ticket you consent to being included in photograph and film.