Questions & Answers
About the Project
What is "Margins In Resonance"?
Margins In Resonance is a creative audio-social project that explores how music shapes identity and belonging within diverse Black communities. Through recorded conversations, collaborative sound pieces, and listening sessions, the project invites participants to reflect on the music they make, listen to, and carry with them, and how those sounds are connected to their personal and collective histories. It is both a research-creation project and a space of listening, dialogue, and care.
What is the goal of the project?
The goal of Margins In Resonance is to create a sonic archive that centers Black voices and experiences, particularly those that are often overlooked or misrepresented in dominant media. By engaging with people across different generations, locations, and cultural backgrounds, the project aims to highlight the diversity within Black identity and challenge monolithic narratives. It seeks to build connection through sound, and offer a space where music becomes a tool for reflection, healing, and empowerment.
Why are you doing this project?
From my own journey as a diasporic Black woman, this project is a call to connect: an invitation to gather stories and sounds that speak to the complexity, nuance, and shared resonance of Black life across Canada. Margins In Resonance is my way of listening back, of asking questions, creating space, and creatively reflecting the sounds and stories that live outside the center. It is both personal and political: a way to connect, to document, and to celebrate the multiplicity of Black sonic expression.
About Participating
Who can participate in this project?
Margins In Resonance is open to anyone currently living in the Maritimes who identifies as Black or of African descent, and is interested in exploring the ways music connects to their identity, culture, and lived experience. You don’t need to be a musician, just someone who connects with sound, music, and storytelling in some way.
How do I get involved?
If you’re interested, you can reach me by email at charstarme@gmail.com, fill in the contact form at the bottom of the page, or reach out to Struts Gallery. We’ll set up a time to chat so I can learn more about you and share a bit more about the project. No previous experience is needed, just a willingness to share and be in conversation.
What steps will be involved to make this project?
Step 1: We’ll start with an informal conversation. With your permission, I’ll record it. We’ll talk about our experiences with music, identity, and belonging. Feel free to bring music to share with me, whether it’s your own music or a track that you love.
Step 2: I’ll listen back to the recording and may pull excerpts to create samples that will be incorporated into the final audio collage.
Step 3: I’ll share what I’ve made with you. You’ll have the chance to approve it, request changes, or choose not to include it.
Step 4: The recording will be presented on site at Struts Gallery and shared online.
When and where will you record the audio?
Recordings can take place in person or online between July 23-August 23. I’ll work with your schedule and location to make it as accessible and comfortable as possible. If you’re local to Sackville, New Brunswick, we can meet at Struts Gallery, or wherever feels right for you.
What do I get for participating?
As a thank you for your time and contribution, you’ll receive a $25 gift card to a record store of your choosing. You’ll also have the opportunity to review your recording and help decide how your voice or story is included in the final project. In addition, you’ll receive digital copies of your recorded conversation, as well as the final audio artwork. Your contribution will help build a shared archive that centers Black voices, honours personal histories, and fosters connection through sound.
Okay, I'd like to participate. What's next?
Amazing! Send me a quick email introducing yourself through the contact form below and I’ll get in touch to arrange a first meeting. From there, we’ll plan a time to record and talk through anything you’d like to share or ask in advance. I’m excited to connect and listen with you.
About the Exhibition
Where will the project be exhibited?
Margins In Resonance will be presented at Struts Gallery in Sackville, New Brunswick, as part of my 5-week artist residency with the gallery. The exhibition will take place within the Struts Gallery space, offering a dedicated environment for listening, reflection, and community engagement.
When will the project be exhibited?
The exhibition will be held at the end of the residency, in late August 2025. Specific dates and details will be shared closer to the time.
Who is organizing the exhibition?
The exhibition is being organized collaboratively by myself, as the artist-in-residence, in partnership with the team at Struts Gallery.
Any Other Questions?
Is there something else you'd like to know?
Reach out to me by email at charstarme@gmail.com. I’m happy to connect, answer questions, or continue the conversation.