CAMPBIENT FAQs

Q: What is CAMPBIENT?

A: CAMPBIENT is an annual sound art micro-residency that take place in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. Watch the short documentary Sounds Interesting: The CAMPBIENT Experience to get a better idea of what CAMPBIENT is all about.

Q: Who can attend CAMPBIENT?

A: All are eligible to apply, regardless of arts or sound experience. Diversity is encouraged!

Q: Whats the application fee?

A: It’s free to apply!

Q: How much does it cost attend?

A: We ask for a contribution on a sliding scale, with a suggested donation of $300 down to a minimum $50 to cover campground fees. If you can afford to support the residency with a larger contribution, that is welcome too! There will be the opportunity to purchase Campbient gear and media at the residency that we use to fund the event. The fee is a tax deductible donation, and there is more info about what it costs to put on the residency on the Support CAMPBIENT page. All are encouraged to apply regardless of resources, financial assistance is available.

Q: How do you choose who gets accepted to attend?

A: Applicants are selected on a variety of criteria that are intended to be as inclusive as possible. These include, but are not limited to, expressed interest and understanding of the concept, previous life experience, demonstrated skill sets (of any sort), a thoughtful application response, and enthusiasm for a successful project. Lack of previous experience in music or the sonic arts is not a disqualification.

Q: What about transportation costs?

A: Transportation expenses are the responsibility of participants.

For those locally or regionally, we can help coordinate ride shares with those who are driving. For those coming from further afield, we will be coordinating a shuttle trip from Seattle-Tacoma InternationalAirport (SEA) and from downtown Seattle.

Q: Is CAMPBIENT a safe space?

A: Yes! Campbient is a safe space and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity and access for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability. LGBTQIA+ friendly. Firearms are not allowed at Campbient. All are welcome and hate speech or actions are not allowed, intolerance will not be tolerated.

Q: What instruments or sound making devices can I bring?

A: You can bring just about whatever you want that is either acoustic or battery powered. But please no laptops or other audio workstations (DAWs). To respect the aural experience of other users of the campground amplified sound is not allowed.

Q: Can I bring a friend or spouse?

A: Everyone who attends Campbient must apply separately, and are chosen individually.

We discourage residents inviting friends and family members to camp at the park during the residency because a large part of the experience requires being fully immersed in the process, and devoting focused attention on the work at hand as well as your fellow residents.

Q: I already attended CAMPBIENT and loved it! Can I come back?

A: We are so glad you want to return! But Campbient can only be attended once, as it happens only once a year and space is limited. We want to be able to provide an experience to as many people as we can so we don’t allow repeated participation.

If you have already attended Campbient and want to come back, we have a new advanced residency that runs concurrently with Campbient: S’more CAMPBIENT.

Q: Can I bring a pet?

A: Unfortunately, no. While we try to accommodate everyone’s needs, pets can potentially impose an unfair burden upon other participants. The only exception is for service animals defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Q: Is CAMPBIENT accessible for those with disabilities?

A: Accessibility in the physical environment is based on the features and circumstances of the individual park Campbient is being held at that year. Information on accessibility features is available on the Washington State Parks website. We strive to make the residency as inclusive and accessible as possible, please contact us regarding the accessibility of Campbient programming and activities during the event. Questions about specific accommodations or accessibility can also be addressed in the application.

Q: What’s the food situation?

A: All meals, snacks, and non alcoholic drinks are provided. All food is vegan as a base, and some dairy (eggs, cheese, sour cream) is available as well for those who want it. You can bring whatever you would like to eat in addition if that makes you comfortable. Sharing is great, but not expected. Meat is not prohibited but not provided. Specific dietary needs (allergies and intolerances, not preferences) can be accommodated and there will be a means to notify the organizers ahead of time. Alcoholic beverages are not provided but are allowed in accordance to park rules.

Q: What the schedule like?

A: Campbient starts early and goes late, with activities scheduled throughout the day. There is a midday break when residents have free time to explore the park, go field recording, have social time, or just take a nap. Meal times are set and should be respected for everyone’s comfort and convenience.

Q: What about bad weather?

A: CAMPBIENT happens rain or shine, so be prepared! We only cancel the event if conditions are hazardous- such as the 2020 pandemic cancellation, local wildfires, local or regional smoke event, or other natural or human-made disasters. As these are outside of our control, we can’t refund the campground fees. Cancellation is at the sole discretion of the organizers.

Q: I’ve never been camping!

A: You wouldn’t be the first! We have lots of experience in the woods and will help you have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience.

Q: What do I need for camping?

A: Whatever you will be comfortable in! Most people bring tents and sleeping bags, and clothing appropriate for the weather. Lack of gear should not be considered a barrier to applying, as we have extra equipment. For those that can afford it, we ask for a nominal rental fee on loaner equipment to defray wear and tear and operating expenses. We will provide detailed guidance on proper preparation for camping for those who need it.

Q: Is this legit?

A: Yes! Check out the archive pages!

Q: Who owns the copyright of the recording?

A: Everything produced at CAMPBIENT is under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license.

Q: How do I apply?

A: Start by reading the application information page!

Q: I have more questions not answered here, how can I find out more?

A: Contact us!