Global Sound Movement Wins Prestigious Times Higher Education Award

Global Sound Movement has achieved a remarkable milestone: It has won the highly coveted Times Higher Education (THE) Award for its ground-breaking work on its innovative project. The award recognises its outstanding contribution to the arts and humanities, blending cutting-edge technology with cultural preservation.

Celebrating Cultural Heritage Through Innovation
The GSM project, spearheaded by UCLan, is a visionary initiative dedicated to capturing and preserving the unique sounds of rare and traditional musical instruments worldwide. But GSM doesn’t stop there. It uses digital technology to ensure these cultural treasures reach new audiences and inspire creativity.

GSM takes an innovative approach to recording and digitising the sounds of instruments from remote regions. This creates high-quality virtual sound libraries that musicians, composers, and producers worldwide can access. These libraries enable them to incorporate rare sounds into their work, preserving their cultural significance while breathing new life into them through modern music and media.

A Distinctive Combination of Technology and Community Influence
One of the standout features of GSM’s work is its use of cutting-edge digital arts technology, such as virtual reality (VR) and advanced sound engineering. The project allows users to interact with virtual representations of rare instruments, offering an immersive experience with realistic sound and haptic feedback.

Equally important is GSM’s commitment to social impact. Proceeds from the sale of the sound libraries are reinvested in the communities where the instruments originate. This ethical approach ensures that local communities benefit directly, fostering sustainability and cultural pride.

Industry Recognition at the THE Awards
The Times Higher Education Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of Higher Education,” celebrate exceptional achievements across the UK university sector. Winning the Excellence and Innovation in the Arts Award is a testament to the GSM team’s dedication, creativity, and impact.

Paresh Parmar, Co-founder of GSM and Senior Lecturer at UCLan, reflected on the award's significance: "This recognition affirms the importance of preserving cultural heritage through innovative means. GSM is not just about technology; it’s about connecting people, fostering understanding, and celebrating the richness of global traditions."

Transforming the Future of Music and Culture
The GSM project stands as a beacon of how technology can be used to bridge cultural divides and preserve intangible heritage. By blending art, science, and community engagement, GSM is shaping the future of how music and culture are experienced and shared.

This award is a celebration of UCLan’s achievements and an inspiration for what’s possible when creativity and technology unite for a more significant cause. GSM is a shining example of how universities can make a meaningful global impact, one sound at a time.