EATING THE CORN EXCHANGE
We created an installation inspired by alternative music subculture communities of Leeds who have gathered at the Corn Exchange for generations. The set, soundscape, and creative menu took inspiration from this and the building’s architecture and heritage.
We served up a playful selection of corn tacos with a choice of goth, punk, and emo inspired fillings. Imagine black tomato leather, fishnet tuile garnish, and cyber-goth neon pickles. After taking time to explore the set and pick up our food, we collectively listened to a soundscape via headphones, including tracks from up and coming local bands who recorded new songs as part of the project.
We also delivered a workshop with young tipeople as part of heritage open day exploring subcultures.
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Set
Built and designed by Michelle Wren and Jenna Greenwood, our set combined the arches of the Corn Exchange with the studded-belts and fluorescent aesthetics of alternative fashion. The experience featured bespoke tickets inspired by 90s gig tickets.
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Audio
shi Blank brought together interviews with band members of iconic Leeds and Yorkshire goth and punk bands, psychogeography, and alt kids of the Corn Exchange to create a unique soundscape. We created an opportunity for emerging bands in Leeds to record their first tracks.
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Menu
Audiences could sample a choice of black or tie-dye corn tacos with either Reel Big Fish or System of a Down inspired fillings. The garnishes included black tomato leather, violet dust, fishnet tuile garnish, and cyber-goth neon pickles. Completed with black garlic ketchup.
People
93 people experienced this event.
32 people took part in the workshop.
We interviewed 15 people who identify within alternative subcultures from the 1970s through to now. We included excerpts of their interviews in our soundscape, and some full interviews were contributed towards Historic England’s Missing Pieces project..
Collaborations
Local radio station Chapel FM ran a 3 part show about the project: https://www.chapelfm.co.uk/?s=Edible+archives
Colours May Vary held some portable cassette and CD players in their shop for people to listen to the soundscape in the Corn Exchange after the event had taken place.
Credits
Lead artists - Harry Jelley and Sonia Sandhu
Sound Piece - shi Blank
Set Building - Michelle Wren
Sign Painting and Set Support - Jenna Greenwood
Event Support - Aaron Dhaliwal and Penny Moe