Welcome
Un-Convention is a not for profit global grassroots and independent creative membership organisation. It crowd sources from it’s community for ideas that will help independent music makers, producers and communities. These could be initiatives such as the development of touring networks or ideas for content at Un-Convention events or ideas for where to hold Un-Conventions. It’s about what matters to the community.
You create an idea.
The community votes.
The most important ideas reach the top of the poll and Un-Convention works to make these ideas happen.
Totally independent. Totally democratic.
Un-Convention understands that the most interesting stuff happens on the margins. We don't mind the mainstream; we just don't find it relevant. Un-Convention doesn't believe in 'do it yourself'. We believe in 'do it together'.
How big is Un-Convention?
Un-Convention has happened 29 times around the globe in three years and has another 20 events planned for 2011/12. Un-Convention happens over five continents and in cities from Swansea to Sao Paulo. Un-Convention annually involves 1,500 artists and bands, 16,400 participants, 36,000 gig goers and 140,000 people online. Of those attending Un-Convention, 40% of people are from disadvantaged backgrounds. It happens in some of the most amazing spaces including The Roundhouse, Auditorio Ibirapuera, and Salford Lads Club; and as part of some incredible festivals like Primavera Sound, Eurosonic and MICA.
Here are some links to short videos outlining what we do:
Un-Convention overview:
Un-Convention Medellin, Colombia: http://elparlanteamarillo.com/v/hagamoslo-juntos-un-convention/
Un-Convention Factory (UK):
The web hub is here: www.unconventionhub.org
Where is Un-Convention?
Un-Convention takes its events into favelas, barrios, communities and to the streets to reach marginalised people. Un-Convention empowers individuals to change their lives through music and access to knowledge, and promotes the ethos of working together and collaboration to enhance communities. Each Un-Convention responds to the local need and music infrastructure and works with local partners. Un-Convention has championed initiatives like the Un-Convention Fellowship to allow musicians the ability to access events, regardless of income.
Un-Convention adopts a radical grassroots model and promotes empowerment, sustainability, the development of creative economy and this fundamentally changes people’s lives. Un-Convention has partnerships with MPs and governments world-wide, as well as arts councils, brands, NGOs, foundations and media. Un-Convention is endorsed by Jarvis Cocker, UB40, Bill Drummond, Andrew Loog Oldham, Roisin Murphy, Jon McClure and Don Letts.