Ground Music is a unique initiative that explores the potential of non-performative public space and aspiring local musicians, as a knowledge transfer project building upon Prof. Melody Yiu’s research on public space and cultural infrastructure. Working with the multi-disciplinary team of music producers and designers, 10 public performances were held in multiple locations during Spring 2025. The multi-faceted project integrates music program curation, public space design intervention, with an embedded outcomes framework, resulting in performance opportunities for young musicians, community events for property owners, and classical music to new public audiences.
Ground Music: Connecting Urban Space, Music Talents, and the Public
[MUSIC PROGRAM] The project not only provides performance opportunities for emerging artists but also supports them with a music-preneurial training program designed by KALOS. Participating young musicians learn about the know-how of program curation, performance technique, career development strategies, paired with world-class music for 1-on-1 mentorship. The public performance features a mix of musicians in different career stages, fostering mutual learning and networking opportunities.
[SPACE DESIGN] The space is created with a user-oriented design approach by Atelier In. It builds upon communication with artists and close observation of the musicians' practices to understand their needs, in order to develop spatial design elements that facilitate performance in public spaces. Working with our venue partners, the adaptive installation system can be easily assembled in multiple configurations to accommodate different site conditions.
[OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK] Besides the publicly visible components, this project is conceived with an outcomes framework in mind to understand and articulate artist growth and other aspects of social impact. This effort is led by Outcomes Lab, which has developed a set of beneficiary-focused criteria for continuous tracking during the program. The collected data will be consolidated into an outcomes report for various stakeholders involved in this program.
[ARTIST NETWORK] Since the conception of the project, over 60 emerging musicians have been engaged to perform in the 10-hour-long public space music program. Through the program, new friendships and connections are made, leading to growing opportunities in future collaborations and career development.
Project Team
- Project Leader: Melody Yiu @ School of Architecture, CUHK
- Programming and Music-preneur Training: Irene Au, Lois Lee @KALOS
- Space Design: Veera Fung, Melody Yiu @AtelierIn
- Outcomes Framework: Jessica Cheung, Chris Chau @Outcome Lab
- Branding and Publicity: Salina Chu @WhateverWorkshop
Funded by CUHK ORKTS Knowledge Transfer Project Fund 2024/25
Venue supported by Hysan (Urban Sky), SHK (New Town Plaza, Yoho Mall, Park Central), Henderson (Shatin Centre)
Photo Credit: Terri Zhu
