As night descends in Shenzhen’s Futian District, an enchanting harmony fills the air. On this Labour Day evening, soulful saxophone improvisations resonate beneath the glass dome of Link CentralWalk. Vocals float effortlessly across the atrium, compelling passers-by to pause and savour the moment.

The Starlit Concert, a collaborative initiative between the Shenzhen Futian District Public Culture and Sports Development Center and Link CentralWalk, reimagines urban public space through the power of jazz. This unique performance series exemplifies the potential of public-private partnerships to elevate shared spaces through art.

When the Sunny Jazz Band took to the stage, the atmosphere instantly came alive. Lead vocalist Mary’s voice, smooth as velvet, danced through the starlit ceiling display while saxophone notes glided softly around the atrium. “Unlike traditional concert halls, performing in an open shopping centre lets us connect with audiences more directly,” remarked one band member. “Shoppers stroll by with coffee in hand, and suddenly, they’re part of a live concert. It’s an effortless and beautiful way to bring music into daily life.”

The multiplier effect of public-private collaboration: from “retail spaces” to “community hubs”

This concert series is part of a broader, ongoing arts initiative developed through a close partnership between the Futian District Government and local commercial entities. The Futian District Public Culture and Sports Development Center provides dedicated cultural funding to support high-quality performances, while Link CentralWalk contributes its high-traffic venue, creating a synergistic “music + commerce” model. This approach exemplifies how public-private collaboration – grounded in thoughtful policy alignment and shared resources – can transform retail environments into vibrant community hubs.

Uniting locals and tourists through cultural experiences in retail “third spaces”

For Mr Zhang, a local resident, the opportunity to experience art casually made the Starlit Concert particularly meaningful. Reflecting on his experience, he shared: “Spending the holiday listening to jazz with my child while enjoying the family-friendly facilities in the mall was far more relaxing than making a special trip to a concert hall. It fits seamlessly into our day.”

Echoing his sentiment, Mr Chan, a tourist from Hong Kong, remarked: “Participating in cultural events within a shopping centre here on the Mainland offers a vivid snapshot of the Greater Bay Area’s diversity. These refined touches of cultural inclusion, embedded in everyday life, help bring the region’s communities closer together.”

As the final jazz notes gently faded, the atmosphere at Link CentralWalk remained lively and energetic. Buoyed by the success of the concert, the venue plans to expand its cultural programming further – with upcoming performances spotlighting traditional intangible cultural heritage, Hanfu fashion showcases, Kakao Friends-themed family playgrounds and more. By weaving culture seamlessly into the retail experience, Link CentralWalk fosters deeper connections between residents and visitors alike, redefining what a modern shopping centre can be.