The Cities and Memory project is a global sound art and field recording project that collects and remixes audio recordings from locations around the world. It features thousands of sounds from over 100 countries, with each location presenting both an original field recording and a reimagined version created by an artist.
The project functions as both a documentary and creative platform, using sound to explore ideas of place, memory, and identity. It allows users to experience environments through audio rather than just visual or written forms, offering a more immersive understanding of different locations.
Creator:
Cities and Memory was created by British artist Stuart Fowkes in 2015 and is based online, making it accessible to a global audience. The project began as a way to combine field recording with artistic interpretation and continues to expand, with new contributions and themed collections being added regularly.
The project is still actively being developed, with new recordings, remixes, and themed collections continuously being added. This ongoing growth allows the project to remain current and reflective of changing environments, cultures, and global events, making it a constantly evolving digital archive rather than a fixed collection.
The project operates on a global scale, representing sounds from over 100 countries; however, representation is not evenly distributed, as some regions have more contributions than others due to differences in access and participation. Its scope includes both original recordings and remixed compositions, which are presented through an interactive sound map and digital archive.