Soundscapes: The bell ring in the digital age
cultural heritage, São João del-Rei, creative process, digital sound art.
The ringing of the bells and the bells craft in Minas Gerais are traditional cultural manifestations registered in the Book of Registration of Forms of Expression of the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN), since 2009. These practices, linked to the communicational, religious and festive activity, persist vigorously in São João del-Rei and characterize its soundscape, making it known as “City of Bells”. However, due the current scenario of technological advances, interferences in this traditional expression can catalyze mutations or even result in significant losses. In this way, it is sought, through the understanding of the contours assumed by the sound of the bell today, to use it as a starting point for two actions that use ubiquitous technologies to produce, reproduce and diffuse meanings about these cultural goods. They are: an artistic installation and an colletion website. Methodologically, a research is divided into: bibliographic research, field recordings and production of practical activities. It is expected that the work will be able to promote values of the bell culture by using technological tools that contribute to its obsolescence, paradoxically and potentially.