West Head Project
The West Head Project (formerly Machine for Making Sense) has been producing exploratory music and interdisciplinary work in Sydney and around the world since 1989. The aims of the Project are to facilitate the regular performance of improvised music, create opportunities for new collaborations between experienced and emerging artists and to promote interdisciplinary practice.
For several years the West Head Project, has been making site specific sound events and recordings at outdoor locations. Initially these were held at West Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Sydney. They have gone on to play in special sites around Australia, including Maria Island off the east coast of Tasmania where they were resident for 10 days, guests of 10 Days on the Island Festival and Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania.
The experimental and improvised music scene in Australia has developed the last few years to be one of the most interesting and unique scenes in the world. It is essential that there is a context for the music to develop, they are committed to providing that context.
The Project has seen many international improvisers perform including: Cor Fuhler (Holland), Mike Pride (USA), Kentaro Saito (Japan), Thomas Lehn and Johannes Bauer (Germany), Audrey Chen (USA), Xavier Charles (France), Dean Roberts (NZ), Robin Haywood (Germany), Werner Dafeldecker (Austria) and Jamie Fennelly (USA).
These internationals have performed and rehearsed with local musicians this creates a viable and organic relationship with the local performers. As well as geographic exchange there is intergenerational exchange.