About Fungi and Being in the Dark

About Fungi and Being in the Dark is a collaborative exchange and creation project, supporting artists in Thailand and the UK to experiment, take risks and produce new work. Filament and CAC Chiang Mai Art Conversation are delighted to be bringing together artists and cultural partners as part of the British Council’s International Collaboration Grants programme.

The project takes inspiration from fungi found in karst caves in our two locations to explore themes of mycelium connection. In the UK, NooN are a multi-disciplinary collective bringing together music, movement, costume and generative art to create experiences for audiences to deepen their relationship with the natural world. In Thailand Arnont Nongyao’s experimental sound works are located with modes of listening and hearing as collective audiences. 

The two localities are connected, both with globally significant cave systems: in Thailand, Satun UNESCO Global Geopark with Le Stegodon and Phu Pha Phet caves; in the UK, the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark together with Kent's Cavern and Neale’s Cave (Wild Planet Trust). Working with wider conservation partners roots the work in the wider ecology of place as well as practically helping with collecting sounds from the karst caves and reaching diverse audiences.

Artists will visit each other’s localities, Geopark caves and cultural sites, as well as exchange through a series of real-time and digital labs. Art Residency Thailand are also supporting project artists and extending opportunities for public engagement.

The project will culminate in contemporary installation and immersive performance works for public audiences, in cultural venues and cave spaces in October 2025. A digital concept album and online lab space will also share work with online audiences.

About Fungi and Being in the Dark is funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grants, designed to support UK and overseas organisations to collaborate on international arts projects.

Filament is an Associate Partner of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, and this collaboration provides a unique opportunity for us to catalyse and support cultural exchange between artists and organisations in the UK, Thailand and our two Global Geoparks.