The University of Salford Art Collection have welcomed Hayley Suviste as the new artist-in-residence at the University’s Acoustic Laboratories, developing  an intimate piece of new work From the River’s Mouth at this year’s festival.

During her residency, Hayley will create multi-channel installations across a series of unique acoustic rooms, including the anechoic chamber and reverberation room. Each installation will explore a different aspect of the River Irwell, taking listeners through the shifting landscapes and stories that make up the river’s past, present, and imagined future.

Over the past months, Hayley has walked the river’s banks, gathering field recordings, photographs, footage, and objects. She has also delved into historical archives, reflecting on how humans have shaped the river and how it, in turn, shapes us. These materials will come together in the final installations, creating sensory experiences that invite reflection on our connection to the river and our role in its care.

From the hum of the city near Manchester and Salford’s urban core to the vibrant life of Kersal Wetlands—where insects, birds, and plants thrive along the water’s edge—From the River’s Mouth contrasts human impact with nature’s resilience. The work invites listeners to consider the river not as a mere body of water, but as a living entity, constantly evolving and shaping the world around it.

How to Sign Up:

There will  6  performances of the work on the day, each lasting 30 minutes.  Each performance will be for limited audiences of 16 people per time.

On the day, you can sign up to the performances at the  Wristband Exchange. Sign up will be on a first-come, first served basis.

Each group of 10 will be led to the Acoustics Labs, meeting at the From the River’s Mouth HQ at The Hut, directly adjacent to the hub space on the Green.

Performances will take place at 14:15, 15:15, 16:15, 17:15, 18:15 & 19:15