Proto Elips

Commissioned by CALL Llandudno and curated by Marc Rees, (proto) elips was one of three residencies under an Arts Council of Wales ‘Lost Space’ scheme. The brief was for a ‘visioning’ exercise to explore how a listed building such as The Tabernacl could be re-imagined for a new cultural use.

(proto) elips made sounds and at times, music. It was played by people of all ages over the course of a month that included the Llawn 04 festival. During this time musicians were invited to experiment as a part of a soundLAB exploring the instrument/ installation’s potential.

It was shown on ITV Wales and on Y Lle and was kept open for an additional week at the request of local music teachers who relocated their lessons to the Tabernacl to explore the installation. Here is a short film about the project.

The prototyping was useful research into how this idea could be expanded into a touring event or permanent sculpture.

‘I’ve gone way beyond whale sounds…I’ve been playing with my fingernails!’

Peter, newly discovered musician, Chester