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Taiwan, France launch experimental sound lab in Taipei

  • Date:2019-11-21
Taiwan, France launch experimental sound lab in Taipei

The Taiwan Sound Lab — a joint venture between the Ministry of Culture and the Paris-based Institute for Research and Coordination in Acoustics/Music (IRCAM) — was formally launched in Taipei on Nov. 21, marking the start of an eight-year joint exploration of new sound technologies, arts, and culture between Taiwan and France.

Equipped with professional recording and soundproof facilities, the Taiwan Sound Lab is Taiwan's first-ever immersive sound theater devoted to promoting sound art based on scientific research. Housed in the Taipei-based Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab (C-LAB), the theater has preserved the building's original appearance by applying the space-within-a-space concept.

Plans for the sound lab were first put in motion when Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chiun visited IRCAM as part of her 2018 trip to France, signing a memorandum of understanding with IRCAM Director Frank Madlener that offered the Parisian institute's expertise in sound and music. Exchange visits began, co-productions were developed, research and development were carried out, and exhibitions and performances were created.

Through discussions and joint planning of the lab's positioning, facilities, and equipment, the completed theater has a capacity of 75 and is equipped with a 49.4 channel speaker array to support experimental works and performances. Extensive consultations were also held to determine the lab's operating directives and strategies for talent cultivation.

The Taiwan Sound Lab will make its debut and formally greet members of the public through the inaugural C-LAB Sound Festival, which will take place at the former Air Force headquarters from Nov. 22 to 30 under the theme "Diversonics." The festival will include original productions from Taiwan and abroad, sound workshops, and exchanges among Taiwanese and international sound artists and professionals.

IRCAM Director Madlener, who visited Taipei to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Taiwan Sound Lab on Nov. 21, also signed an eight-year MOU agreeing to continue exploring Taiwan-France collaboration through music and acoustic experimentation. More information is also available from IRCAM


C-LAB Sound Festival: Diversonics
Venue: Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab
Address: No. 177, Section 1, Jianguo South Road, Da'an District, Taipei, Taiwan (ROC)
Date: Nov. 22 – 30, 2019
Opening hours: 13:00-20:30 (Closed on Mondays)
Sitewww.soundlab.tw/en
Admission: Free