The collaborative digital platform Freesound, created in 2005 by the MTG and managed in collaboration with Phonos, is celebrating two decades as the world's largest repository of sounds with Creative Commons licenses. With over 700,000 shared recordings, Freesound has established itself as a resource for musicians, artists, researchers, and creators all over the world.

Sounds to be protected. 20 Years of Freesound

From October 23 to 26, the CCCB, as part of the Kosmopolis amplified literature festival, is hosting the sound installation "Sons a protegir. 20 anys de Freesound" (Sounds to be Protected. 20 Years of Freesound), curated by the Freesound team in collaboration with the artist Fito Conesa. The installation reflects on the concept of intangible heritage, the fragility of sound, and its value as immaterial heritage.

The project features a series of cavities and acoustic devices that activate an intimate and deep listening, connecting us with the landscapes and situations that shape our intangible heritage. The sounds that can be heard in this installation have been chosen by a group of artists who were invited to explore the Freesound archive and select a playlist of “sounds to be protected”: rare, unique, or threatened recordings that question us about the future of our sonic environment.

Credits:

Installation curated by the Freesound team in collaboration with Fito Conesa

The acoustic devices were developed in collaboration with Plat Institute, with the support of the Ajuntament de Barcelona

The sound playlists were created by: Laura Llaneli, Alba Rihe, Roc Parés, Acoustic Heritage Collective, cantdefine.me, Cedrik Fermont, Albert Murillo, Eloïsa Matheu, Arnau Sala Saez and Lolo & Sosaku

Information:

Kosmopolis

CCCB — Montalegre 5, Barcelona

October 23 to 26, 2025 - 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Free access to the installation

Freesound Day

On October 28th, the "Freesound Day" will take place at the Sala Aranyó on the Universitat Pompeu Fabra. This event open to the public will feature participation from both the Freesound team and various members of the community, who will discuss their personal and professional experiences related to the platform, as well as different projects carried out around it. Furthermore, the event will include a listening session of a selection of pieces from the composition contest—also held for Freesound's 20th anniversary—using the Sala Aranyó's immersive sound system.

Program:

The complete program can be found on Freesound Day programme, October 28th, Barcelona and online | The Freesound Blog

Information:

Sala Aranyó and online

Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Roc Boronat 138, Barcelona

October 28, 2025 - 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Admission is open, but registration is required: https://eventum.upf.edu/139645/detail/freesound-day.html. See the program for instructions for joining online.

These activities are supported by Maria de Maeztu Units of Excellence Programme CEX2021-001195-M, funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033, and Ajuntament de Barcelona

Activity in the frame of:

Cátedra UPF-BMAT en Inteligencia Articial y Música (TSI-100929-2023-1). Project funded by Secretaría de Estado de Digitalización e Inteligencia Artificial, the European Union-Next Generation EU, and by BMAT Music Innovators, the Music Operating System