The first theme of the "Shanghai Sound" project will center on the theme of "Language and Dialects," delving into four key research threads: human geography, language, urban space, and music & traditional opera. Through a local perspective, the project explores the role and significance of sound in urban culture, rediscovering Shanghai’s unique "fusion" cityscape. This initiative aims to present a vivid historical narrative of the city, bringing its cultural landscape to life.

A group of 10 researchers from interdisciplinary fields such as linguistics, architecture, music, and philosophy will explore the dissemination of dialects, neighborhood cultures, apartment soundscapes, and the impact of hybrid cultures. Through performances, lectures, and roundtable discussions, they will invite both scholars and the audience to engage in a dialogue and reconnect with Shanghai.

West Bund Museum · Cultural Researcher Project adheres to the integration of cross-institutional and interdisciplinary approaches while supporting and recommending young cultural scholars. The project re-examines contemporary perspectives on local cultural research, linking local history, indigenous cultural connotations, cultural reflection, and interdisciplinary studies to weave a contemporary collective narrative and invigorate the vitality of urban culture.

At the same time, it provides an experimental platform for young scholars in the broader cultural field, local youth communities, and enthusiasts. With a contemporary vision and an open stance, the program paves a new path for interaction and co-creation at the West Bund Museum, fostering public awareness of collective participation and encouraging engagement with local cultural heritage.

West Bund Museum · Cultural Researcher Project  is supported by CHANEL.