This Place Meant - destination #8 - The Grand Shaft, Dover

Sound Emergence and Tom White will create 1 hour sound immersion exploring the history, architecture and resonance of the Grand Shaft. Due to the nature of the space, this will be a different experience from our usual sound baths. You are invited to move through the space, or simply remain still if that feels right for you.

Hidden within the cliffs of Dover, The Grand Shaft is a remarkable Napoleonic-era triple spiral staircase carved 140 feet down through the White Cliffs. Built between 1806 and 1809 to move troops quickly between the Western Heights and the town below, this unique feat of military engineering is the only triple staircase of its kind in the UK.

Tom White is a Ramsgate-based artist focusing predominantly on sound-based practices such as live performance, installation, recordings, composition for dance and film. He is interested in the physicality and phenomena of sound; how it can be felt by the body and experienced in architectural space. Past projects include commissions and appearances for Radiophrenia, Glasgow (CCA); BRAUBLFF (KRAAK & De Player); Whitechapel Gallery, London & Colour out of Space Festival, Brighton.

22-03-26

• 12.30pm - 1.00pm – arrival and wonder through the space
• 1pm - 2pm - live sound

Sound Emergence is a contemplative sound practice led by André Braga-Verissimo and Sasha Maye Bruce. Their work brings together sound, heritage and community to create immersive listening experiences across Kent and beyond. They explore sound as a form of contemplation, deep listening, and collective gathering, working across art, music and history.

This event is primarily standing and roaming through the space, though seating on steps or up on the top is possible

• Warm clothing (can feel cold in the tunnel :)

Please contribute according to your financial circumstances. Paying the upper tier supports the project and helps us offer lower-cost access.

Suggested contribution: £5 – £20 per place. Please book a ticket for every person in your party, including children.

A FULL SERIES ticket for This Place Meant is available for £25, allowing attendance at as many events as you wish.

Top (Drop Redoubt/Western Heights): Limited parking is available on Drop Redoubt Road. A car park is located on North Military Road next to the Detached Bastion, and another on South Military Road by St Martin's Battery.

• Bottom (Snargate Street): Located near the lower entrance to the shaft.
• Alternative: During busy open days, additional parking might be found in nearby Dover town areas

wheelchair accessible at the bottom entrance. Please note there is no accessible way from bottom to top and vice versa of the Shaft.

André works across sound, DJing, puppetry and performance. Founder & Artistic Director of Sound Emergence, he explores sound as a contemplative and communal practice, bridging art, heritage and collective listening. He has 15 years’ experience as an arts facilitator across charities, education and cultural organisations.

Sasha is Co-Lead Artist on the Soundbath Pilgrimage and the project’s Mental Health Advisor. She is a psychotherapist, sound practitioner, and body-based Pesso Boyden therapist specialising in holistic, integrative therapy. She is also a Mental Health First Aider with 15 years’ leadership experience across sectors.

Andre & Sasha Sound Emergence, part of And Gather CIC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundemergence/

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