Lifting the Lid on MARBLE: Our New Cosmic Partnership
We have some monumental news to share about MARBLE, the powerful new collaboration between myself and composer Clive Whitburn.
When we first conceived of MARBLE, we knew the project had to be ambitious. It blends live orchestral and electronic music with large scale experimental film, drawing its vision from the stunning, real time footage of Earth taken from the International Space Station. Our goal was always to explore the relationship between Art, Ecology, and Space, bridging disciplines to create an immersive, sensory experience.
Today, we are thrilled to announce a development that elevates this ambition: MARBLE is forging a deep partnership with one of the most iconic scientific venues in the South East, The Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux, East Sussex.
An Iconic New Home: The Observatory Science Centre
This collaboration is a game changer. The Observatory Science Centre, located at Herstmonceux, provides the perfect, authentic context for a project rooted in astronomy and discovery.
MARBLE is now being reimagined as a spectacular outdoor live concert event. Instead of being staged in traditional indoor venues, our visual art will be projected onto the magnificent façade of a main building at the Science Centre. This allows us to dramatically escalate the scale of the experience, setting our fusion of music and film against a backdrop synonymous with scientific wonder.
We are incredibly excited to bring this unique spectacle to the Herstmonceux site for our planned 2026 season.
Bridging Disciplines: Art, Ecology, and Space
The new venue perfectly encapsulates the project's core mission: to dismantle the perceived barriers between art and science.
MARBLE is not just a concert, it is a cross disciplinary dialogue. The music, featuring a chamber ensemble, ranges from meditative textures to bold sonic landscapes, complementing the archival and astronomical imagery. Crucially, the events will feature guest speakers spanning Art, Ecology, and Space, who will offer personal reflections and provoke meaningful discussion before and after the show.
As an audience member, you will be invited to consider how observation of the cosmos informs human creativity, and how the health of Earth’s ecology connects us all.
Reaching New Audiences Across Sussex
This partnership is key to our mission of inclusivity. The Observatory Science Centre’s established educational and visitor networks are vital resources. This allows us to execute a robust, county wide outreach strategy, ensuring MARBLE connects with audiences who typically have low access to the arts, or those who may not usually attend a contemporary classical event.
Our community engagement plan is highly targeted:
Science Groups: Direct collaboration with astronomical societies and community science groups across Sussex.
Arts Networks: Engaging grassroots organisations like the Blue Monkey Network and other local community arts groups.
Wider Reach: We will leverage county wide media (The Argus, BBC Radio Sussex) and the Science Centre’s own established channels to reach diverse communities in Hastings, Lewes, and Crowborough, not just Eastbourne.
We are focused on bringing together an eclectic mix of people, actively bridging the gap between science enthusiasts and cultural participants.
The Road Ahead
This ambitious project, which is being produced with assistance from Racquet Studios, represents a significant step change in practice for both Clive and myself, building on our previous individually ACE funded works. We are currently finalising the funding application process, a critical step in bringing this spectacular vision to life in 2026.
We look forward to sharing dates and booking details with you as soon as they are confirmed. Thank you for your continued support as we prepare to launch this unprecedented journey across the cosmic, the terrestrial, and the human.
Keep following our social media channels for exclusive behind the scenes updates!
Richard Jackson and Clive Whitburn
